DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 305 



Third. In respect to the utilization of the animal, the most obvious 

 point in estimating the gravity of the case in a fracture accident is the 

 certainty of the total loss of the services of the patient during- treat- 

 ment — certainl}-^ for a considerable period of time; perhaps perma- 

 nentl3^ For example, the fracture of the jaw of a steer just fattening 

 for the shambles will involve a heavier loss than a similar accident to 

 a horse. Usually the fracture of the bones of the extremities in a 

 horse is a very serious casualty, the more so proportionately as the 

 higher region of the limb is affected. In working animals it is exceed- 

 ingl}" difScult to treat a fracture in such a manner as to restore a limb 

 to its original perfection of movement. A fracture of a single bone 

 of an extremity in a breeding stallion or mare will not necessarily 

 impair their value as breeders. Other specifications under this head, 

 though pertinent and more or less interesting, may be omitted. 



Fourth. Age and temper are important factors of cure. A young, 

 growing, robust patient whose vis vltm is active is amenable to treat- 

 ment which one with a waning constitution and past mature energies 

 would be unable to endure; and a docile, quiet disposition will act 

 cooperatively with remedial measures which would bo neutralized hy 

 the fractious opposition of a peevish and intractable sufferer. ' 



The fulfillment of three indications is indispensable in all fractures. 

 The first is the reduction, or the replacement, of the parts as nearly 

 as possible in their normal position. The second is their letention in 

 that position for a period sufficient for the- formation of the provisional 

 callus, and the third, which, in fact, is but an incident of the second, 

 the careful avoidance of any accidents or causes of miscarriage which 

 might disturb the curative process. 



In reference to the first consideration, it must be remembered that 

 the accident may befall the patient at a distance from his home, and 

 his removal becomes the first duty to be attended to. Of course, this 

 must be done as carefully as possible. If he can be treated on the spot 

 so much the better, though this is seldom practicable, and the method 

 of removal becomes the question calling for settlement. But two 

 ways present themselves — he must either walk or be carried. If the 

 first, it is needless to say that every caution must be observed in order 

 to obviate- additional pain for the suffering animal and to avoid any 

 aggravation of the injury. Led slowl}^ and with partial support, if 

 practicable, the journey will not always involve untoward results. If 

 he is carried it must be b}^ means of a wagon, a truck, or an ambulance; 

 the latter, being designed and adapted to the purpose, would, of course, 

 be the preferable vehicle. As a precaution which should never be 

 overlooked, a temporar}^ dressing should first be applied. This may 

 be so done as for the time to answer all the purpose of the permanent 

 adjustment and Imndaging. Without thus securing the patient, a 



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