LAMENESS IN THE HIND LEG 199 



coaptation of the broken bones may be maintained. Aside from 

 slings, mechanical appliances that are helpful in the treatment 

 of these cases are not yet in use. 



A regimen that is nutritive and at the same time laxative is 

 essential and in some cases cathartics and enemata are necessary. 

 Also, during the t:rst few days, if there is retention of urine, 

 catheterization is imperative. In a word, the handling of such 

 cases consists largely in keeping the subject inactive, as com- 

 fortable as possible, and giving attention to suitable diet. 



Simple fracture of the external iliac angle needs no particular 

 attention, except that the subject is kept quiet until lameness 

 subsides. In all cases where much of the bone is broken, the ani- 

 mal is blemished, but interference with function does not follow. 

 If infection results because of a compound fracture, loose pieces 

 of bone must be removed surgically and drainage provided for. 



In fracture of the ischial tuberosity, infection is more apt to 

 result than in like injury of the ilium, and greater displacement 

 of bone occurs. This displacement, due to contraction of the 

 attached muscles, is in some instances a contributing cause to 

 the infection which often follows in these cases. In females 

 where the body of the ischium is fractured, lacerations of the 

 vagina may be present, and this constitutes a serious complica- 

 tion which usually terminates fatally. 



After-care in fracture of the pelvic girdle consists principally 

 in allowing a protracted period of rest before subjects are i)ut 

 to work. 



Fractures of the Femur. 



Etiology and Occurrence, — This is a comparatively rare in- 

 jury in the horse because of the protection afforded the femur 

 by the heavy musculature. Fragilitas of the bone probably 

 exists in many cases when fracture of its diaphysis occurs. It 

 is generally conceded that the neck of the femur is rarely broken 

 because of a lack of constriction in this part, but fracture of the 

 trochanters has been recorded rather frequently. However, 

 Lienaux and Zwanenpoete^ state that fracture of the neck of 

 the femur is of frequent occurrence in Belgian colts. Tapley- 



lAs quoted bv A. Liautard, M. 15., V. M., American Veterinary Review, 

 Vol. 37, page 667. 



^Quoted by Prof. Liautard, American Veterinary Review, Vol. 33, page 190. 



