64 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



perfect apposition of the fractured ends is difficult, if not ini 

 possible. 



Fractures that extend to the articular surface are very seri- 

 ous, and complete recovery in such instances is practically impos- 

 sible. The cartilage of prolongation of the scapula is sometimes 

 seriously involved in certain cases of fistulous withers, and in 

 some instances it has been separated from its attachment to the 

 rhomboidea muscles, and lameness has resulted. In such in- 

 stances, the upper portion of the scapula is disjoined from all 

 attachment, and with every movement the animal makes, the 

 scapula is moved l)ack and forth. Complete recovery in such 

 cases does not occur. 



Symptomatology. — Fractures of the scapular spine are ordi- 

 narily readily recognized because there is usually visible dis- 

 placement of the broken part. Crepitation is also detected with- 

 out difficulty. 



In fractures of the body of the scapula where an examination 

 may be made before much swelling has taken place, and in sub- 

 jects that are not heavily muscled, one should have no difficulty 

 in recognizing the crepitation. 



Fractures of the neck of the scapula are recognized by crepi- 

 tation, by passively moving the leg, but it is necessary to exclude 

 fractures of the humerus when one depends upon the finding of 

 crepitation by this means. However, unless undue swelling ex- 

 ists, the exact location of the crepitation is recognized without 

 serious difficulty. 



Treatment. — The treatment of compound fractures of the 

 scapular spine consists in the removal of the broken piece of 

 bone by ^^ay of a cutaneous incision so situated that good drain- 

 age of the wound will follow. 



Simple fractures of the body of the scapula are best treated 

 by placing the subject in a sling, if the animal is halter broken, 

 and enforcing absolute quiet for a period of from tliree to six 

 weeks. Splints or similai' appliances are not of ])ractical value 

 in scapular fractures. 



Compound fractures of tlic scapula usually result from vio- 

 lence, which at the same time does serious injury to adjacent 



