SPECIAL INJURIES OF BONES. 329 



to a very large size. Soon the swelling fluctuates frQoa con- 

 tained serum, and it may remain thus indefinitely, the liquid 

 being confined by the tough fibrous walls. Or the serum may 

 be absorbed, leaving a hard nut-like tumour with no sign ot 

 fluctuation. 



Treatment. — Soothe the early inflammation by fomentations 

 or a wet rug hung over the part, and keep on a soft 

 laxative diet. If the amount of serum thrown out is limited, 

 it may be entirely re-absorbed by using tincture of iodine to 

 remove the swelling. If more abundant let it be drawn off with 

 a cannula and trocar, and the sac injected with compound 

 tincture of iodine diluted in double its bulk of water. If this 

 is not available, lay the sac freely open at its lower part and 

 heal like a common wound. If a hard mass is left beneath the 

 skin it is to be cut out as advised for those on the shoulder. 



By way of prevention the stall must be widened, and, in the 

 case of animals that will lie on the breast, a pad or girdle of 

 two or three inches thick must be strapped round the pastern 

 at night to prevent the heel striking against the elbow. This 

 pad must be soft, covered with chamois leather, made without 

 a seam on its outer side, and buckled above and below so that 

 nothing hard may touch the elbow. 



WOUNDS OF THE ELBOW. 



Wounds in this situation are often complicated with air under 

 the skin, puffing up the whole region, having been pumped in 

 by the movements of the elbow. Rest is requisite and the 

 wound may be treated as others. 



FRACTURE OF THE POINT OF THE ELBOW. 



This is easily recognised, as the leg dangles, bending at the 

 elbowand knee, and it is impossible to bear any weight on it 

 On taking hold of the back of the elbow the process of bone is 

 found to be detached and loose, li excessive swelling prevents 



