484 FRACTURED BONES OF THE EXTREMITIES. 



Fracture of the Louder Jaw-hone. — It is fortunate if one 

 branch only be broken ; should, however, the injury hap- 

 pen to both, there is still no need to despair. Make a 

 strong leathern case to support the broken bone, and nou- 

 rish the horse with thick gruel. This is one of the easiest 

 remedied cases of fracture that can be encountered. It 

 generally does well, sufficient time being allowed. 



Fractured Ribs. — Blacksmiths are apt, from the effect of 

 passion, to strike a horse with the shoeing hammer. We 

 have more than once seen a fractured rib from this cruelty. 

 In other ways, also, the ribs may become fractured. If the 

 fractured portion of the rib penetrate the cavity of the chest 

 and wound the lungs, the case is hopeless. Should it, 

 however, be a simple fracture, apply a bandage round the 

 body, and bring the divided ends of the rib together. 



Fractured vertehrce or pelvis are both hopeless. 



FRACTURED BONES OF THE EXTREMITIES. 



In fractures of the larger bones of the limbs, the horse is 

 almost always killed, as being supposed incurable, or that, 

 if cured, he would be utterly useless : but not only are 

 many of these cases curable, as has been occasionally 

 proved, but a horse frequently becomes very useful after- 

 wards ; and it is evident that the breed of such an animal, 

 at all events, provided it be a mare or stallion, may be 

 made subservient to our purposes. 



Fractured Scapula, or Shoulder-blade, is rare, but does 

 occasionally occur. In fractured scapula the toe trails 

 along the gi'ound ; but as it does the same whether the arm 

 or fore arm be broken, so we must look for other evidences ; 

 and these are gained by attempts at elevating the foot, 

 which not only give excessive pain, but usually produce a 

 crepitus sufficiently distinct ; particularly if the hand is placed 

 on the part. A cure may be effected by suspending or 

 supporting the animal, united with the application of some 

 adhesive matter, which can give solidity to the limb without 

 excoriating it ; further strengthened by bandages judiciously 

 applied, so as to have an equal and extensive bearing. 



The Humerus is not often fractured. It is very short 

 and thick, and so strong as to be little in danger ; but when 



