DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 623 



Stanched, that cleanliness is an indispensable factor in the cure, 

 and finally that a mild antiseptic ointment, such as that of 

 salicylic acid (so often heretofore referred to) or that of carbolic 

 acid is of great value. 



DISORDERS OF THE SKELETAL MECHANISM:, TO- 

 GETHER WITH A CONCLUDING ACCOUNT OF 

 INJURIES IN GENERAL. 



We now proceed to deal with some few disorders to which the 

 bones of oxen are liable, and we shall touch this topic somewhat 

 lightly, since there is no occasion for us to lay great stress upon 

 this portion of bovine medicine and surgery, as it will frequently 

 be found advisable in cases where there is any serious bone- 

 mischief in oxen to fatten the animals for the butcher straight- 

 way. Nevertheless, there are many simple fractures liable to be 

 met with in practice which readily admit of wise and careful 

 treatment, which in most instances will result in pecuniary gains. 



Again, outgrowth of bone may occur in different positions, as 

 for instance near the orbit, whence they may be easily removed 

 by means of a suitable saw. Even when these bony growths 

 cannot be cut off, they may very often work little or no harm. 

 Further, if the metacarpal or the metatarsal bone be badly 

 fractured, or if foul in the foot be very extreme, amputation of 

 the bone itself may now and again be called for. Once more, 

 some skilful veterinary practitioners are highly successful in 

 reducing some dislocations. The late Mr. D. Gresswell, for 

 instance, was an adept in this branch of practical bovine surgery, 

 and had some really wonderful cases of this kind. 



Now, inflammation of bones may come on either as a result 

 of injury, or from such specific influences as that which goes by 

 the name of the scrofulous diathesis. Inflammation of osseous 

 or bony tissue causes much pain, and so great may be the dis- 

 turbance and the unhealthy action that portions of the bone may 

 gradually decay and die. Consequently, when at the bottom of 

 a wound a bone is decaying, it is a matter of great importance 

 to remove the disorganized portions. When bones are broken 

 and shattered in consequence of serious injury, they may perhaps 

 gradually die, and it is therefore necessary to remove the dead 

 parts in such cases. When bones are inflamed, poultices should 

 be applied, and the parts should be freely fomented and thoroughly 



