476 WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE 



Dislocations. — Dislocations in animals are not infrequent, and 

 some of them are extremely serious, while others are not so. 

 When they occur in the joints of tlie limbs, there is great 

 lameness and more or less deformity. They may occur in various 

 situations ; indeed, there are no joints which may not be dis- 

 located, though some are much more exposed to this accident than 

 others. 



The prompt reduction of a dislocation is above all things neces- 

 sary, and it should be effected, if possible, without delay. Exten- 

 sion — pulling the dislocated bones apart, with perhaps side pressure 

 at the same time — is to be made, and then a bandage should be 

 wrapped round the joint, if it belong to a limb. Cold water should 

 then be applied, and the animal kept at rest. 



Sometimes dislocation of the stifle occurs in young or weakly 

 horses — the stifle-bone (patella) slipping off to the outside of the 

 joint, producing a peculiar kind of lameness. The hind leg is 

 more or less thrust backwards, and the horse cannot bring it for- 

 ward — consequently he drags it stiffly behind him. No dislocation 

 is so easily reduced, 'ihe leg is to be pulled well forward by 

 means of a rope round the pastern, and the stifle-bone, which pro- 

 jects outwards, is then smartly pushed forward : it makes a clicking 

 noise when it gets in its natural place. 



Dislocation of the lower jaw sometimes occurs in the dog, 

 through opening the mouth too wide when giving the animal 

 medicine. The creature cannot close its mouth, and the lower jaw 

 is rather protruded. To reduce this dislocation, place a round 

 piece of wood — a thick pencil or roller, according to the size of the 

 dog — across the mouth, and well back. Then endeavor to close the 

 mouth in front, pushing biek the lower jaw at the same time, 

 when it will enter the joint with a jerk. It is best to do this, and, 

 indeed, all operations on the dog's mouth, with gloves on the hands. 

 The wood in some instances may be dispensed with, the lower jaw 

 being press-^d firmly downward and backward. 



Sprains. — Sprains are not, as a rule, so serious as the majority 

 of fractures, and there is not the same urgency with regard to them, 

 though when very severe they may be mistaken for fractures. 

 More especially is this the case with sprain of the muscles and 

 ligaments of the horse's back, which if very intense might be con- 

 founded with broken back. But in the latter paralysis is more or 

 less complete, and the hind legs are colder than the fire ones, 

 while sensation is generally lost. Pricking the legs with a pin 

 will prove the absence of sensation. Broken back is hopeless, 

 while sprained back may quite recover. If the accident has 

 occurred away from home, and the horse cannot travel, he ought to' 

 be carried in a bullock or low flat cart. Slings will probably be 



