TEACTURES OF BONES. 159 



Ischium. — The shaft of tlie ischium is the portion most liable 

 to fracture, and the fracture generally passes through the fora- 

 men ovale. It is caused by slipping, falling, etc. There is diffi- 

 culty in progression, descension of the haunch to a certain extent, 

 and crepitus. 



Fracture Through the Symphysis Pubis. — This form of frac- 

 ture is caused by the posterior extremities suddenly slipping out- 

 wards. Its symptoms are a wide, straddling gait behind, the 

 legs being dragged forward in progression; the feet wide apart, 

 the toes turned outward. Examine per rectum. 



Very little can be done in the way of treatment. If the ani- 

 mal is not of much value, he had better be destroyed; but if 

 young he may be treated. Place in slings, pull the limbs as near 

 to each other as possible, and keep in that position by fastening 

 with a strap above the hocks. In two or three months a fair re- 

 covery may be expected. 



Fracture of the tuberosity of the ischium is caused by falling 

 upon the buttocks, either from slipping or falling. Tlie symp- 

 toms are flatness of the most rounded part of the quarter, crepitus 

 in manipulation, swelling of the soft parts, lameness. All that 

 needs be done is to apply a good, stiff charge or plaster after the 

 subsidence of the swelling and keep quiet. 



When fracture of the acetabulum occurs, the case is a hopeless 

 one. It is caused by kicks, falls, blows, and by muscular con- 

 traction. The limb can scarcely be moved at all, the foot rests 

 upon the toe, or is not phiced to the ground at all; the limb is 

 shorter than its fellow\ There is great pain and crepitus. 



INFERIOR MAXILLA. 



Falling may fracture either the inferior or pre-maxilhi. The 

 direction of the fracture i^ longitudinal, involving the alveolar 

 cavities of the incisor teeth, and terminating in the maxillary 

 space, 01 oblicjuely from the center outwards, through the neck 

 of one or both rami. 



