HUNTERS 



girdle are not uncommon, but there is the same 

 difficulty experienced in diagnosis. No matter 

 of whatever nature the fracture, rest constitutes 

 the most important feature of treatment, and the 

 more completely this is secured, the better, 

 though it is easier to advise, than to carry out 

 this part of the treatment. As a rule, such rest 

 is obtained through the use of the slings, though 

 the latter are inapplicable in many instances. 

 The fracture must be maintained in apposition 

 by means of some artificial support, such as 

 a starch or plaster of Paris bandage, or other 

 adhesive material, applied after the fracture has 

 been reduced, and the swelling allowed to subside, 

 the latter being facilitated by fomentation with 

 warm water. The reparative power is greater 

 in the young than in the old, but most cases of 

 fracture necessitate about three months' rest, at 

 the end of which time, if applicable, it is a good 

 plan to apply a good strong blister to the injured 

 part. Fractures of the first and second thigh, of 

 the cannon, of the knee and the hock, of the 

 pedal bone, navicular bone, and of the arm, 

 usually call for immediate destruction of the 

 animal, whereas, fractures connected with other 



190 



