236 



OPERATIONS ON BONES. 



Fig. 261a.— Comminuted Fracture of a Dor- 

 sal VertetoriJB at the Annular Portion. 



Fig. 261.— United Fracture of the Spi- 

 nous Processes of Dorsal Vertebrae. 



progress which should at once excite the suspicion of the surgeon. 

 In the midst of a -sdolent struggle the patient becomes suddenly 

 quiet ; the movement of a sharp instrument which at first excited 

 his resistance fails to give rise to any further evidence of sensation ; 

 perhaps a general trembling, lasting for a few minutes, will follow, 

 succeeded by a cold, profuse perspii'ation, particularly between 

 the hind legs, and frequently there will be mictvmtion and defe- 

 cation. Careful examination of the vertebral column may then 

 detect a slight depression or irregularity in the direction of the 

 sjiine, and there may be a diminution or loss of sensation in the 

 i:)Osterior part of the trunk while the anterior portion continues to 

 be as sensitive as before. In making an attemjit to get upon his 

 feet, however, upon the removal of the hobbles, only the fore part 

 of the body will respond to the effort, a degree of paraplegia being 

 present, and while the head, neck, and fore -pea-i of the body will 

 be raised, the hind quarters and hind legs will remain inert. The 

 animal may perhajDS succeed in rising and probably may be re- 



