88 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



dius, and in cases where swelling is marked, crepitation may not 

 be readily detected. In fact, a sub-periosteal fracture may exist 

 for several days or a week or more and then, with subsequent 

 fracture of the periosteum, crepitation and abnormal mobility 

 of the member are to be recognized. In such cases, the subject 

 will bear some weight upon the affected member, but this causes 

 much distress. In one instance the author observed a trans- 

 verse fracture of the lower third of the radius which was not 

 positively diagnosed until about ten days after injury was in- 

 flicted. In this case, without doubt, the subject originally suf- 

 fered a sub-periosteal fracture of the bone and because the animal 

 was a good self nurse, the brachial fascia supported the radius 

 until the periosteum gave way and the leg dangled. In this 

 instance infection took place and suppuration resulted. It was 

 deemed advisable to destroy this animal. 



"" Prognosis. — In adult animals, radial fracture constitutes a 

 grave condition; generally speaking, prognosis, in such cases, is 

 unfavorable. Because of the leverage afforded by the extremity, 

 immobilization of the radius is difficult. Any sort of mechanical 

 appliance, which will immobilize these parts, is likely to produce 

 pressure-necrosis of the soft structures so contacted. There is 

 occasioned thereby much pain and the subject becomes restive, 

 unmanageable and sometimes the splints are completely deranged 

 because of the animal's struggles, and much additional injury 

 to the leg is done. Occasionally, an otherwise favorable case is 

 thus rendered hopelessly impossible to handle, and the subject 

 must be destroyed several days after treatment has been insti- 

 tuted. 



Consequently, unless all conditions are good, and the affected 

 animal a favorable subject, young, of good disposition, and the 

 fracture a simple transverse one, complete recovery is not likely 

 to result from any practical means of handling. 



Treatment. — Mature subjects ought to be put in slings and 

 kept so restrained throughout the entire time of treatment. 

 Immobilization of the broken parts of the bone is the object 

 sought. This is attempted by practitioners who employ various 

 methods, and each method has its advocates. 



