132 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



the pathognomonic symptom (crepitation) is not recognized, the 

 intensity of the chuidication, when other causes are absent, is 

 indicative of fracture. The subject does not bear weight upon 

 the affected member and where pain is intense, the foot is held 

 in an elevated position and swung back and forth. In hind legs 

 the member is often flexed in abduction and held in this position 

 for several minutes, being rested on the ground only during 

 short intervals. When compelled to walk, if pain is excruciating, 

 the animal hops with the sound leg, no weight being supported 

 liy the fractured member. 



When an examination of the subject is possible before the 

 extremity is swollen, crepitation is usually found without great 

 difficulty, except in a subperiosteal break or in some eases of 

 vertical or oblique fracture. Great care is necessary in handling 

 the injured extremity in these cases, and particularly in nerv- 

 ous subjects or in excited animals that have lieen recently in- 

 jured in runaways, is it necessary to be gentle in manipulating 

 the extremity, if definite deductions are to be made. As has 

 l)een mentioned in the chapter on diagnostic principles, if the 

 condition is so painful that the subject does not relax the parts 

 and crepitation is masked, local anesthesia is necessary. An 

 anesthetic solution of cocain or novocain may be applied to the 

 metacarpal or metatarsal nerves and an entirely satisfactory 

 examination is then possible. 



Passive movement of the phalanges in all directions is prac- 

 tised in order to produce crepitation. When rotation of the 

 parts does not occasion crepitation, gentle flexion and extension 

 may do so. And in many instances, consideral)le manipulation 

 of the i)halanges is necessary before the pathognomonic symptom 

 is to be recognized. 



In eases where crepitation is not found and lameness is pro- 

 nounced, out of proportion with other possible existing causes, 

 one may by exclusion of other causes establish a diagnosis of 

 fracture in the course of forty-eight hours. In the meanwhile, 

 support is given the affected member by applying an effective 

 leather splint, so that pain may ])e diminished. To combat in- 

 flammation, a suitable cataplasm may l)e applied directly to the 

 skin, the extremity l)andaged, and the temporary immobilizing 



