314 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



anesthesia. In these cases the fracture usually occurs in the body 

 or the annular part, or both, of the posterior dorsal or the anterior 

 lumbar vertebra. When , the transverse processes of the last-named 

 bones are injured, it is probably in consequence of the heavy concus- 

 sion incident to striking the ground when cast. The diagnosis of a 

 fracture of the body of a vertebra is not always easy, especially when 

 quite recent, and more especially when there is no accompanying 

 displacement. 



Sijmj)toms. — There are certain peculiar signs accompanying the 

 occurrence of the accident while an operation is in progress which 

 should at once excite the suspicion of the surgeon. In the midst of 

 a violent 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 trem- 

 bling, lasting for a few minutes, w'ill follow, succeeded b}' a cold, pro- 

 fuse perspiration, particular!}' between the hind legs, and frequently 

 there will be micturition and defecation. Careful examination of the 

 vertebral column may then detect a slight depression or irregularity 

 in the direction of the spine, and there may be a diminution or loss of 

 sensation in the posterior part of the trunk, while the anterior portion 

 continues to be as sensitive as before. In making an attempt to get 

 upon his feet, however, upon the removal of the hobbles, onl}^ the 

 fpre part of the body will respond to the effort, a degree of paraplegia 

 being present, and while the head, neck, and fore part of the body 

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

 animal may perhaps succeed in rising and probabl}'" may be removed 

 to his stall, but the displacement of the bone will follow, converting 

 the fracture into one of the complete kind, either through the exer- 

 tion of walking or by a renewed attempt to rise after another fall 

 before reaching his stall. By this time the paralj'sis is complete, and 

 the extension of the meningitis, which has become established, is a 

 consummation soon reached. 



To say that the prognosis of fracture of the body of the vertebra is 

 always serious is to speak very mildl}'. It would be better, perhaps, 

 to sa}'^ that occasloQially a case may recover. Fractures of the trans- 

 verse processes are less serious. 



Treatment. — Instead of stating the indication in this class of cases as 

 if assuming them to be amenable to treatment, the question naturally 

 would be: Can any treatment be recommended in a fracture of the 

 body of a vertebra? The only indication in such a case, in our opin- 

 ion, is to reach the true diagnosis in the shortest possible time and to 

 act accordingl3\ If there is displacement, and the existence of serious 

 lesions may be inferred from the nervous symptoms, the destruction 

 of the suffering animal appears to suggest itself as the one conclusion 

 in which considerations of policy, humanit}', and science at once unite 



