FRACTURES OF THE BONES 



333 



In complete fractures we follow the same rules as in the subcutaneous 

 forms — that is to say, we endeavor in one way or another to hold the 

 broken ends of the bone together while the wound is healing, and at the 

 same time to dry up the wound with antiseptic applications. This is 

 rather difficult to do in the dog, but it may be accomplished by making 

 a " window " or hole in the dressing. The wound must first be thoroughly 

 cleansed, dressed antiseptically, and then we apply a plaster dressing, 

 according to the usual method, and place a piece of wadding upon the 

 Avound. "When the dressing becomes hardened, we cut a hole over the 

 wound by means of a probe-pointed bistoury, coating the edges of the 

 opening with a small quantity of plaster-of-Paris or collodion in order 

 to prevent the discharge of pus, etc., from running under the dressing. 



Fig. 108. — Different methods of amputation: a, straight section; b, flap operation; c, method of sewing 



the wound. 



The rest of the operation is performed according to the general rules 

 followed in the treatment of wounds. In cases where the fracture is 

 fresh and the wound is very small, we cover it with an antiseptic dressing 

 (for instance, tincture of iodine and several layers of corrosive sublimate 

 gauze). Then apply the closed dressing of plaster-of-Paris entirely 

 over it. If the wound is slight, as a rule you do not have to remove 

 the bandage. Care must be taken, however, to take the temperature 

 and watch the leg to see if it swells, and if the animal is restless and uneasy. 

 In cases where there is a wound and several broken bones, makmg a 

 compound, comminuted fracture, the patient can only be saved by 

 amputating the leg. Amputation of the leg, as well as exarticulation, 

 has been performed a number of times in the dog, and generally success- 



