$i2 THE FARM DOCTOR. 



exaggerated manifestation of the same symptoms as in sprained 

 back, but if the bones are displaced, or when the resulting 

 inflammation and swelling have produced pressure on the 

 spinal cord, there is paraplegia, coldness of the body behind 

 the seat of fracture, though that in front may be hot and per- 

 spiring ; the tail is implicated in the palsy, and there is much 

 tenderness and often a manifest depression of the seat of fracture. 

 Treatment. — The slighter forms are treated like sprained loins. 

 In the more severe, the subject should be destroyed at once. 

 If after recovery in other respects a certain lack of power 

 remains, it must be treated like paraplegia. 



lACERATION OF THE MUSCLES BENEATH THE LOINS. 



This occurs from the hind limbs slipping unexpectedly back- 

 ward, or from their going back into a ditch which the animal is 

 attempting to leap. The manifestations resemble those of 

 broken back, as there are difficulty in rising, and an imperfect 

 control over the hind limbs, which are dragged awkwardly 

 forward and not advanced so far as in health. But tliere is no 

 mdication of paralysis, and no alteration of temperature or 

 sensibility in the hind parts, the functions of the tail are perfect, 

 and examination through the rectum detects a soft doughy 

 swelling, with heat and tenderness beneath the loins. Treat- 

 ment is by slings and fomentations to the loins. If the horse is 

 unable to get up, raise him by block and tackle and he will easily 

 stand. Several weeks are wanted for repair of the injury, and 

 the patient should have a run at grass before returning to work. 



FRACTURE OF THE CROUP (sACRUm). 



Seen in cattle and less frequently in horses, and caused by 

 riding each other or by the fall of heavy bodies on the part 

 There is a manifest depression at one point of the median 

 line of the croup, and the tail usually hangs paralysed. Exami- 

 nation with the oiled hand in the rectum ?^ nnce detects the 



