154 THE STOCK owner's ADVISER. 



PATELLA. 



Fracture of this bone takes place, due to direct injury or mus- 

 cular contraction; the fracture may be longitudinal or trans- 

 verse. It cannot be treated with success unless it is a mere crack 

 of the bone, with no displacement. A shoe with a high toe- 

 piece and heel may be used and the animal placed in slings, and 

 cooling applications being employed to reduce inflammation and 

 swelling. 



FRACTURE OF THE TIBIA. 



Fracture of this bone takes place oftener than that of any 

 other bone of the hind extremity. It is caused by direct injury, 

 as kicks, and often occurs without displacement for several days. 



Symptoms. — The animal stands with the limb flexed, throwing 

 scarcely any weight upon it. When the parts are manipulated 

 the animal evinces great pain. If such symptoms are present, 

 the animal should be treated for fracture, the limb retained in 

 position by means already described. If displacement has taken 

 place, and the animal is aged, the best course will be to destroy it. 



FRACTURE OF THE TARSAL AND METATARSAL BONES. 



If the astragalus be fractured, there is little use in treating. 

 The OS calcis is transversely fractured by muscular contraction 

 and by slipping forward of the limb. 



Inspection will demonstrate a flatness of the point of the hock, 

 with an apparent shortening of the limb. By manipulation the 

 examiner will l)e enabled to detect the detached portion of bone. 

 Lameness and swelling are present. 



Treatment. — Place the animal in slings; apply a high-heeled 

 shoe, then force the fragments into proper position, as nearly as 

 possible, retaining it there by pads of tow and bandages. The 

 tow should be made into firm pads and rolls, and pressed down 

 in front and on both sides of the fragments to prevent it from 



