78 MEANS OF RESTRAINT. 



to one side. * * * But no one of these three elements, in itself, 

 will produce a fracture; they must all concui'." 



Whatever may be the value of these theories, the fact that at 

 post-mortem examinations fractures have been discovered, in some 

 cases in the annular portion, and in others in the body, seems to 

 prove that any one of them is equally apphcable with another. 



To prevent these fractures, therefore, becomes the principal 

 object of the surgeon at the critical moment when the animal is 

 thrown. This involves a strict attention to the rules which we 

 have laid down for his guidance in the various stejDS of the act of 

 casting; and, moreover, to have recourse, as often as jDossible and 

 as the indications suggest, to the aid of anesthetic agencies, and 

 by no means to ignore the value or neglect the use of the appa- 

 ratus of Bernardot & Buttel. 



2d. Fractures of the liibs. — These fractures are undoubtedly 

 frequent, as the result of heavy falls upon a badlj'-made bed — too 

 hard or too thin, or perhaps concealing hard substances, as stones 

 or the like. 



3d. Fractures of the Pelvic Bones. — There are but few cases 

 on record of this kind of injury, but they are possible, as the re- 

 sult of carelessness in the preparation of the bed or improper 

 casting, or powerful muscular contraction. 



4th. Fractures of the Bones of the Extremities. — Though prob- 

 ably less common than those last referred to, these lesions are not 

 unknown in veterinary practice. They occur principally in the 

 diaphyses of bones, or near to, or at the epiphysis, and are often in- 

 complete in their nature. Delafond describes a case of fracture 

 of the femur taking place during the application of the clamjDS 

 while undergoing the operation of castration ; and another case is 

 recorded of which the trochanter of the femur was the seat. Key 

 has reported a case of fracture of the cubitus taking place as the 

 animal, when freed from the hobbles, made a violent effort to spring 

 from the bed upon which he had been thrown to be fired for a 

 chronic enlargement. These fractures of the extremities may be 

 avoided by careful attention, not only at the time of throwing the 

 patient, but in placing him in position and in properly securing 

 him, and giving him judicious assistance in regaining his feet. 



5th. Dislocations. — These accidents are of very rare occur- 

 rence. One case, however, is recorded of a dislocation backwards 

 of the humerus, compHcated with fracture of the cubitus. 



