216 



SURGICAL DISEASES 



soft bandage should be applied under the splint. The adjust- 

 ment of the plaster bandage or splint should be noticed daily, and 

 whenever necessary it should be removed and readjusted 



Injuries to the skin must be carefully cleaned, disinfected 

 and bandaged before applying the plaster bandage. If evidence 

 of wound infection occurs later, the bandage must be removed 

 and the wound treated. Large animals suffering with a fracture 

 of any of the bones of the limb should be placed in slings. In- 

 complete fracture should receive the same treatment as simple 



Fig. 61. — Shoulder abscess caused by loose-fitting harness. 



fracture. If this is practised, the danger of its becoming com- 

 plete is avoided. 



Harness Injuries. — This class of injuries is common in 

 horses that are given steady, hard work, or that are not accus- 

 tomed to work. Young horses, when first put to hard work, are 

 especially prone to injuries from the collar. A large proportion 

 of these injuries are due to an ill-fitting harness or saddle. 



When the harness is not adjusted or fitted properly, there is 

 severe pressure on certain parts. This is the common cause of 

 shoulder abscesses (Fig. 61), sore necks and sit-fasts. Kough, 



