FRACTURE OF THE TIBIA. 975 



than heavy animals, and therefore recover sooner. Montaya saw 

 a transverse fracture of the upper third of the tibia in a mule unite, 

 with the assistance of a splint. In France a number of cases are 

 reported where complete fracture of the tibia with displacement in 

 horses has been reduced and the bone has united. But these have been 

 collected from the records of many years, and must be regarded 

 as exceptional. 



In sheep, goats, and carnivora, these fractures generally unite 

 if not so high in the limb as to prevent a proper dressing being applied. 

 In dogs, fractures of the tibia may completely unite in three to four 

 weeks, even when complicated. 



In all animals, fissures unite in fourteen days to a month, provided 

 the fracture remain incomplete. The animals require to be abso- 

 lutely rested in slings for three or four weeks. The less the lameness, 

 the better the chance of recovery. Fractures of the malleoli are 

 unfavourable, especially in working-horses ; and as lameness is 

 generally severe, the continuous weight thrown on the other foot 

 may lead to laminitis. 



When instituting treatment, the above-mentioned possibility 

 of fracture must always be kept in mind, and every injury of the 

 inner surface of the tibia, whether extending to the bone, or causing 

 severe lameness, should be followed by three to four weeks' complete 

 rest, the animal being placed in slings, or tied up short. Severe 

 lameness consequent on periostitis is best treated with cold appli- 

 cations, followed by blisters. Further treatment must be expectant. 



Cases of complete fracture should be placed as soon as possible 

 in slings, reposition attempted, and a plaster-of -Paris, tripolith, or 

 adhesive plaster bandage applied. Adhesive plaster has the advantage 

 of not slipping down so easily. Stolz recommends a mixture of 

 2 parts resin with 1 part wax ; Frickers, 5 parts gutta percha, 2 

 parts lard, and 1£ part wax. These mixtures are smeared on strong 

 linen or leather, which is applied after the skin has been cleansed 

 and dried. Leblanc, who successfully treated several cases, placed 

 the animal in slings, dug a shallow pit below the affected limb, to 

 which he attached a heavy weight. (After a time the muscles become 

 fatigued and reposition can be effected.) Leblanc, after setting the 

 limb, applied masses of tow and two large splints, the outer extending 

 from the hoof to the stifle, the inner from the hoof to the middle of 

 the thigh. The whole limb was then enveloped in bandages plastered 

 with pitch. In oxen, with fracture of the lower part of the tibia, 

 a plaster bandage may be used. These animals sometimes recover 

 without treatment of any kind. 



