FRACTQRES OF THE HORNS. 



27 



parts, and diminish the chance of perfect] union. To avoid these draw- 

 backs, the apparatus shown in Fig. 11 has been invented. 



This apparatus consists of a splint, the middle of which fits the back of 

 the animal's poll, the sides being gouged out to receive the lower half of 

 the horn and notched, to enable the fractured horn to be well supported 

 by bandages. 



(4.) Fractures of the base of the horn are more serious, because a 

 fragment of the frontal bone is usually torn away with the horn core. 

 As a rule, the fracture is 

 subcutaneous or without ex- 

 ternal wound. The horn is 

 displaced, and swings loosely. 

 On examination, a charac- 

 teristic crepitation sound is 

 easily detected. In such frac- 

 tures haemorrhage is subcu- 

 taneous and often extends to 

 the frontal sinus, in conse- 

 quence of which it is not 

 uncommon for pus to form 

 in the sinus as a complica- 

 tion. 



Treatment includes reduc- 

 tion of the fracture, and the 

 application of a fixed j^laster 

 or silicate bandage cover- 

 ing the fronto-occipital and 

 superior auricular regions. 



When a skin wound exists, it is better to remove the horn and bony 

 fragment, and to apply an antiseptic dressing in order to prevent infection 

 of the frontal sinus. 



Fig. 12. — Dressing for fracture of the base 

 of the horn. 



EXOSTOSES. 



SPAVIN IN THE OX. 



Exostoses are somewhat uncommon in the bovine species, and when 

 they occur are rarely of great clinical interest. Nevertheless, in cows 

 and old working oxen one sometimes sees metatarsal spavin. Its 

 gravity, however, appears to be very much less than in the horse, on 

 account of its position. Very commonly there is only trifling lameness. 



Treatment by application of biniodide of mercury ointment or the 

 actual cautery gives good results. The principal precaution required is 

 to prevent the animals licking the parts. 



