156 THE STOCK owner's ADVISER. 



fracture; when this occurs, the detached fragments cause what 

 is known as fistulous withers; the sinuses must be explored and 

 the fragments removed. It is sometimes found that the tuberous 

 ends of the spines are in a state of caries or necrosis from being- 

 bruised. The treatment for this kind of injury is the careful 

 scraping away of the diseased surface. 



DORSAL SPINE. 



Fracture of the bodies of the dorsal spine give rise to what is 

 known as broken back. A fracture of the dorsal spine is gen- 

 erally due to an ill-fitting saddle. Anchylosis of the dorsal verte- 

 brae in old horses is manifested by a peculiar stiffness of the back, 

 well shown when the animal turns around. On casting such a 

 horse, fracture of the bodies of the vertebrae is very likely to 

 occur, and will generally produce complete or partial paralysis. 

 If the fractured part press upon the spinal cord, the animal will 

 be unable to rise, and complete paralysis may occur. The animal 

 shows no sign of feeling on being pricked with a pin. The hind 

 legs may be moved about in any direction without any resistance 

 by the animal. The faeces may be passed involuntarily. 



Treatment. — If fracture of the superior spinous processes be 

 present, the detached pieces of bone should be cut down upon 

 and removed, and if the bone is found to be diseased it should be 

 touched with diluted hydrochloric acid; if the bodies of the ver- 

 tebra are fractured, as a rule, nothing can be done. 



In the lumbar vertebra fractures occur in the same manner 

 and present the same symptoms as in the dorsal region. If frac- 

 ture occurs to the transverse processes, and the animal is kept 

 quiet, reunion takes place quickly. 



FRACTURE OF THE SACRUM. 



Fracture of the transverse processes of the sacrum is caused by 

 slipping, or by violent falls. Muscular contraction will also 

 cause it. 



Symptoms. — There is difficulty in moving. Before long it is 



