316 EUKEAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



cartilages of the ^^bouklc^, and of which the diagnosis was only made 

 after the fatal ending of the case. 



These hurts arc not often of a ver}- serious character, though the 

 union is never as solid and complete as in other fractures, the callus 

 ])eing usuallj' imperfect and of a fibrous character, with an amphiar- 

 throsis formation. Still, complications occur which may impart 

 gravit}' to the prognosis. 



Treatment. — Fractures with but a slight or no displacement need no 

 reduction. All that is necessary is a simple application of a blistering 

 nature as a preventive of inflammation or for its subjugation when 

 present, and in order to excite an exudation which will tend to aid in 

 the support and innnobilization of the parts. At times, hoAvever, a 

 l)etter eflect is obtained by the application of a bandage placed firmh' 

 around the chest, although, while this limits the motion of the ribs, it 

 is apt to render the respiration more labored. 



If there is disjjlacement, with much accompanying pain and evident 

 irritation of the lungs, the fracture must be reduced without delay. 

 The means of effecting this vary according to whether the displace- 

 ment is outward or inward. In the first case the bone ma}'^ be 

 straightened by pressure from without, while in the second the end of 

 the bone must be raised b}^ a lever, for the introduction of which a 

 small incision through the skin and intercostal spaces will be necessar3\ 

 When coaptation has been effected it must be retained b}" the external 

 application of adhesive mixture, with splints and bandages around the 

 chest. 



FRACTURES OF THE BOXES OP THE PELVIS. 



These fractures will be considered under their separate denomina- 

 tions, as those of the mcrum and the on innominatiun^ or hip, which 

 includes the subdivisions of the ilium, the pubes, and the ischium. 



The sacrum. — Fractures of this bone are rarely met with among 

 solipeds. Among cattle, however, it is of common occurrence, l)eing 

 attributed not onl}^ to the usual varieties of violence, as blows and 

 other external hurts, but to the act of coition and to violent efforts in 

 parturition* It is generally of the transverse kind and maj- be recog- 

 nized bj^ the deformity which it occasions. This is due to the drop- 

 ping of the bone, with a change in its direction and a lower attachment 

 of the tail, which also becomes more or less paralyzed. The natural 

 and spontaneous relief which usually interposes in these cases has 

 doubtless been observed by the extensive cattle breeders of the West, 

 and their practice and example fully establish the inutilit}^ of inter- 

 ference. Still, cases maA^ occur in which reduction may be indicirted, 

 and it then becomes a matter of no difficulty. It is efi'ected by the 

 introduction of a round, smooth piece of wood into the rectum as far 

 as the fragment of bone and using it as a lever, resting upon another 



