290 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



The extension, however, consists of little else than slowly and 

 steadily turning the head to the central part of the body, while the 

 operator presses with one or both knees on the most prominent 

 part of the convex angle. The animal is supposed to be down, 

 and the ordinary precaution taken to secure his limbs in hob- 

 bles or by means of rope. It not unfrequently happens that the 

 muscles on the convex side of the neck are lacerated : in that 

 case, even after reduction, the neck would still incline to an an- 

 gle ; to obviate which, a sort of concave splint must be applied 

 to the concave side, reaching from the angle of the jaw to the 

 shoulder, being curved and padded at each end, for the recep- 

 tion of their respective parts, and then confined by rollers, 

 straps, &c. 



Dislocation of the Shoulder is reduced also by extension and 

 manipulation ; but, owing to the shallow cavity of the lower 

 part of the shoulder blade, it is very difficult to retain the parts 

 in apposition ; still the animal is not to be sacrificed until means 

 have been tried, which are, continual pressure backward on the 

 head of the humerus. The diagnostic symptoms are, promi- 

 nence of the head of the humerus, and inability to bring the limb 

 forward. 



Dislocation of the Hip, — Very little hopes can be entertained 

 of reducing so formidable a displacement; for the head of the 

 thigh bone is generally thrown out of its socket on the pelvis, 

 and the abductors exert such a powerful force upward that it is 

 almost impossible to counteract them ; still we should not de- 

 spair. There is a horse now in existence within a few miles 

 of Boston, that, three years ago, slipped on turning a corn er, 

 and dislocated the thigh bone, the head of which could be dis- 

 tinctly seen and felt. The unfortunate subject was carried home 

 on a sled ; the owner treated him on the hydropathic principle, 

 and left the case to nature, without making any attempts at re- 

 duction. At the end of six months, he could hobble along pretty 

 well ; all that could be noticed was, a prominence on the hip 

 and a shortening of the limb. Up to the present time he has 

 gradually improved, so as to become quite useful in doing light 

 work. The means are simple, and the author has no better to 

 offer. 



