222 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



eated. In such instances the exterior of the wound and its mar- 

 gins should be prepared as in similar affections of other joints. A 

 quantity of synovia is then aspirated by means of a small tro- 

 car and care should be taken to observe all due aseptic precau- 

 tions. Subsequently the injection of from four to six ounces 

 of a mixture of tincture of iodin, one part to ten parts of gly- 

 cerin, and gentle massage of the joint immediately after the 

 injection has been made, serves to check the infective process 

 in some cases. 



The subject should be cared for as has been previously sug- 

 gested in arthritis — proper provisions for comfort being made. 

 Good nursing is always essential to a successful issue. However, 

 the author cannot view cases of open stifle joint with the same 

 optimism concerning their course and outcome that is expressed 

 by a number of writers on this subject. It is a grave condition 

 wherein the prognosis should be given advisedly 



Fracture of the Tibia. 



Etiology and Occurrence. — Because of its exposed position 

 to kicks, and its lack of protection by heavy musculature (espe- 

 cially on its inner surface), there is afforded ample opportunity 

 for frequent injury to the tibia. Fractures are complete and 

 varying as to nature, or incomplete. The heavy tibial fascia 

 affords sufficient protection so that fissures without entire solu- 

 tion of continuity of the bone may occur from violence to which 

 this part is often subjected. Moller classes tibial fracture as 

 ranking second in frequency — pelvic fracture being more often 

 mot with in horses. This does not apply in our country as pha- 

 langeal and metacarpal and even metatarsal fractures are ob- 

 served in more instances than are such injuries to the tibia. The 

 tibia is occasionally broken at its middle and lower thirds, but 

 malleolar fractures are not common. 



Symptomatology. — AVhen fracture is complete and all sun- 

 port is removed, the leg dangles, and the nature of the injury 

 is so obvious that there is no mistaking its identity. However, 

 in case of incomplete fracture one needs to base all conclusi(ms 

 upon the history of the case, evidence of injury, or other knowl- 



