348 DISEASES OF THE ARTICULATIONS 



he shorter, or it may be on a longitudinal axis with the other leg. An- 

 other characteristic symptom is the loss of movement in the luxated 

 joint, especially when the case is seen early, although in some cases 

 where the ligaments have been lacerated or torn, or where a piece of 

 bone has been broken off, there is abnormal flexion in that part. This 

 is especially important, as it enables us to locate a fracture of the bone 

 that is in the neighborhood of the joint. There is also a slight crepita- 

 tion. This, however, is soft, and not the hard, rough crepitation that 

 we find in fractures. 



Luxations are not dangerous to life except those of the vertebrae, 

 but they are very troublesome, and, as a rule, make slow recoveries. 

 Dislocations can be reduced quickly where the animal is seen a short 

 time after the injury; but in rare cases, on account of the lacerated 

 condition of the capsule and ligament, it is rather difhcult to hold the 

 injured joint in position after it has been reduced. 



Therapeutic Treatment. — The treatment consists of: 1. Reduction 

 of the dislocation. 2. In holding the joint in position after the reduction 

 has been made. 



It is rather hard to lay down any rule to be followed in all cases, 

 but try if possible to return the joint to the same position as before, 

 comparing it with the joint of the opposite leg, following, as a rule, 

 the same procedure as that followed in fractures of the bone. As soon 

 as the reduction is made the joint must he dressed and allowed to remain 

 if possible for a period of three weeks (further particulars will be found 

 in the chapter relating to fractures of the bones and wounds), so that 

 the soft parts which are lacerated — the capsule and the ligaments — may 

 have an opportunity to grow together and return the joint to its normal 

 position. If the dressing cannot be applied in cases of dislocation of the 

 hip, the animal must be kept in a cage or in a small room, in order to 

 keep it as quiet as possible. We may find more or less stiffness of the 

 joint when the dressing is removed. This can be assisted to a certain 

 extent by means of massage. 



The following dislocations appear more frequently in the dog and 

 require special mention: 



Dislocation of the Lower Jaw. — This is extremely rare, and may 

 occur in some instances where a setter or retriever endeavors to carry 

 a very large bird, opens his mouth, and distends it in such a way that it 

 is dislocated. In some cases this luxation is confined to one side, and 

 in others both articulations are out of joint. The lower jaw projects 

 forward, the incisors project beyond the upper incisors, giving the animal 

 an "undershot" appearance, while in a lateral direction the jaw is pushed 

 to one side, the mouth remains wide open, and cannot be closed except 

 with great exertion. In many cases, on account of the pressure which is 



