FRACTURES OF BONES. 151 



METACARPAL. 



This fracture is easily diagnosed, and, if simple, can be suc- 

 cessfully treated by using splints, bandages, slings, etc. The 

 small metacarpals may be fractured and set up considerable irri- 

 tation, but reunion will generally take place if the animal is kept 

 quiet. There is no necessity of putting the animal in slings. 

 This fracture may be caused by striking with the hind foot. In 

 some cases crepitation may be detected. 



SESAMOID BONES. 



Fracture of the sesamoids occur from a violent sprain as in 

 galloping in steeplechasing. In transverse fracture the symp- 

 toms are descent of the fetlock pad, elevation of the toe, with 

 great lameness, and the presence of a depression, marking the 

 seat of the fracture in the bone or bones. If the patient be a 

 valuable animal for breeding it may be treated; if not, destroy 

 the animal. 



OS SUFFRAGINIS. 



The OS suffraginis is sometimes broken into many fragments, 

 most mysteriously, while, the animal is galloped on sandy or soft 

 ground. This bone is frequently fractured. It is a common 

 accident among race horses and hunters. The fracture is usually 

 caused by concussion. 



Symptoms. — Extreme lameness; there may or may not be crep- 

 itation. If it is a simple fracture it may be treated with success, 

 but if compound or comminuted, it is best to destroy the animal. 



OS CORONA. 



The OS corona is rarely fractured, but fracture may be pro- 

 duced in the same way as those given, and may be treated in the 

 same way. 



Os Pedis. — Fracture of the os jjcdis is caused by concussion, 

 and occurs most frequently among running horses. The animal, 



