k 



Adjusting Fractures 219 



especially in small, short bones ; but, by grasping the 

 two extremities and moving or twisting them, the 

 crepitus, as the broken parts grate over each other, is 

 distinctly felt or heard. Pain is usually a well-marked 

 accompaniment of fracture. Anj- movement of the part 

 irritates the animal. Swelling usually follows in a 

 short time, in the region of the broken part, especially 

 if the bone be covered by soft tissues. 



The treatment of fracture consists in replacing the 

 broken bones in their normal positions and keeping 

 them there without movement until they have knit or 

 grown fast together. This is a more difficult matter 

 in animals than in the human subject, owing to the 

 difficulty in controlling the movements of the animal. 

 It is seldom worth while to attempt to treat severe 

 comminuted fractures, when the bone is crushed into 

 pieces. If the ends of the broken bones have slipped 

 by each other, it is necessary to pull them apart until 

 the broken ends can be brought squarely together. 

 Dogs should always be muzzled, to prevent their biting 

 the operator. It is often a good plan to give the small 

 animals ether, as it not only does away with the pain 

 but renders the muscles limp, so that the part may be 

 easily set; and it keeps the animal quiet during the 

 operation. After the bones are placed in position, the 

 part should be covered with two layers of flannel ban- 

 dage, smoothly applied. This is to allow for swelling 

 of the part and to prevent the splints from injuring 

 the skin. Over the flannel bandage splints can be 

 applied. These are thin strips of wood, or other light, 

 stiff material, that can be shaped to the part, placed 



