FRACTUKES. 533 



something to eat, of course, and if he is lying down he will 

 require some assistance to hold his head up. His usual feed 

 may be given him — chopped feed, hay, or oats, but not any 

 corn. A bran-mash occasionally would be excellent. 



THE TIME TO HEAL. • 



This will vary in different cases, and be influenced much 

 by the previous condition of the horse. If he is in low con- 

 dition and feverish, he will most probably die. The fever in 

 the system will settle in the wound and produce death. If in 

 good health at the time of the accident, the time of his re- 

 covery will be in proportion to the badness of the fracture. 

 If the bone of either leg be broken above the knee or hock- 

 joint it will take a month longer for it to heal than if below ; 

 and a compound fracture, where the bone is brokeh entirely 

 off and displaced, will require three times the length of time 

 to heal as simple fracture. It will take from one to three 

 months for either case to heal, and sometimes longer before 

 the horse is able to go to work. He will use his limb just 

 as soon as he is able to do so, and he is the best judge of 

 his ability to use it. 



