254 INJURIES. 



with fracture ; the changes the parts may uudergo between 

 the accident and any attempt at reduction ; the restiveness 

 of the subject ; the peculiar construction of the joint ; the 

 nature of the dislocation_, &c. 



The Cure involves three objects :— the reduction of the 

 displaced bones ; the retention in their proper places ; and 

 the counteraction of any disease to which the injury may 

 give rise. 



Reduction, — There are but few joints over which we 

 can exert any effective power unless the animal be cast. 

 After whichj the next thing is to make the body a fixed 

 point, from which extension can be made, at the same time 

 that counter-extension is maintained. Pulleys may be 

 employed for this purpose. Chloroform should then be 

 administered until its effect is confirmed. The direction of 

 the extension must be regulated by the veterinarian, who 

 is the proper person to undertake the guidance of the bone 

 back into its socket. The main thing he has to do is, to 

 apply his force in such manner as seems best calculated to 

 overcome the muscles. Nor is he to relax in his efforts 

 while success appears probable ; but he must modify his 

 operations according to circumstances, until every hope is 

 extinguished. 



The Retention of the reduced bones in their places will 

 not often prove difficult, providing the animal be kept where 

 he cannot use the injured joint. The reduction will pro- 

 bably be followed by inflammation, the solid interstitial 

 effusion attendant on which will tend to prevent motion ; 

 wherefore, we endeavour to excite inflammatory action by 

 the application of blisters, firing, &c. There are some cases 

 in which we may do good by the application of bandages 

 made on purpose. Splints, also, may be useful. 



Counteractive Measures consist in the palliative or 

 depletive remedies, where the inflammation attending the 

 injury disturbs the health. Bleeding, purging, fomentations, 

 refrigerant, and discutient lotions, &c., may be called for, 

 either singly or in combination, and to such an extent as 

 will make a local or a constitutional impression. 



