Fractures] 



125 



[Fractures 



the patient is a big dog, it is advisable to 

 have two splints, one on either side of the 

 leg. They should extend from the foot to 

 the stifle joint or just above. 



The illustration shows a joint in the centre 

 of the splint, but this is not absolutely neces- 

 sary, though it has its advantages One is, 

 the joint does not become so stiff, as it 

 allows just slight 

 movement. 



Over the band- 

 age a few strips 

 of Mead's plaister 

 should always be 

 used to prevent the 

 bandage shifting. 



Fracture of Femur 

 ( Thigh Bone) : 



Treatment : Ex- 

 cept in cases of 

 fracture of the 

 lower extremity, 

 these cases are 

 difficult to treat, 



in consequence of the shape of the leg, for one 

 thing ; and for another, the limb is so close to 

 the body that a bandage cannot with advantage 

 be put round. Under these circumstances, it is 

 always best in cases of broken thigh, except 

 when it occurs at the lowest extremity — that 

 is, just above the stifle joint — to leave it to 

 Nature, who, as a rule, makes a very good 

 cure, except that the leg as a result may be 



A splint with a joint for fractures 

 of the back leg 



