330 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION 



of the face, etc., reduction can be made without an assistant. ^Vhen 

 the bones have been placed in position as neai- as possil^le to their normal 

 shape, we must then apply a dressing which will keep the fractured ends 

 in their position until they have united. 



The best dressing for fractures in dogs are those which dry rapidly, 

 such as plaster or silicate of sodium solutions. In some cases it becomes 

 necessary to apply a temporary splint apparatus for a few days. This 

 temporary splint apparatus must be used where there is great swelling, or 

 where the condition of the wound or part w^ould lead you to expect much 

 swelling. The writer finds the best thing for fracture dressings is a 



Fig. 105. — Plaster splint on fracture with support around body. 



broad pasteboard splint. This should be dipped in water and kneaded 

 by the hand until flexible. There are various other materials for making 

 splints — gutta-percha, wire gauze, spongio-piline, felt, sheet tin or zinc, 

 wood, etc. In some cases where there is an open wound wire gauze may 

 be used, fastened above and below the fractured ends of the bone, 

 leaving the wounds exposed. This gives it sufficient support, and 

 admits of proper antiseptic methods being followed. A plaster-of-Paris 

 or silicate of sodium dressing may be applied immediately after the frac- 



