FRACTURES 225 



chloroform, but even this is not an unmixed good. Whether a horse 

 be cast before its administration, or be allowed to fall while under its 

 influence, there is in both cases the danger of displacing the broken bones 

 and converting a simple into a compound fracture, or causing a trouble- 

 some displacement of the broken parts. 



Before any such step is taken it is desirable to exhaust all other means 

 at our disposal. 



The symptoms exhibited as the result of fracture will vary according to 

 the situation and the purpose which the bone serves. 



Fracture of the long bones of the extremities is not generally difficult 

 to diagnose. It may be at the time of its occurrence someone heard a 

 " snap ". If displacement result, this would be followed by sudden and 

 acute lameness and an inability to support weight on the broken limb. 

 The parts below the fracture would hang loosely, the toe would sway 

 involuntarily from side to side, or might be directed backwards. Swelling 

 on the region of the fracture and parts below it soon appears, attended 

 with local inflammation and pain. 



Of the many symptoms attending a fracture crepitus is the one which 

 should be specially sought for. It is the sensation or sound which results 

 from the rubbing of one broken piece against the other. In comminuted 

 fractures, where the bone is divided into several pieces, it is soon made 

 apparent; but in some cases of simple fracture it is difficult to develop, and 

 a good deal of care, guided by experience, may be needed to bring it about, 

 and especially in young and fractious animals. 



When it does not become at once apparent, the upper segment of the 

 broken bone should be firmly held by an assistant, and the lower one 

 gently rotated, and moved from side to side and from front to back by 

 another, while the operator is engaged in manipulating the seat of fracture. 



By this method the broken ends may be made to rub against each other 

 and yield the rubbing sensation or sound which is the evidence required. 



In some situations, as where a rib or the pelvis is broken, it is im- 

 possible to carry out this method, for the reason that the parts are so 

 situated that they do not lend themselves to the kind of manipulation 

 prescribed. 



In fracture of the ribs the part will show soreness to pressure, and some 

 irregularity may be felt in the line of the rib when accessible. By gently 

 pressing the rib inward, or making the animal cough while the fingers rest 

 firmly upon the part, crepitus may be felt. 



Fracture of the front ribs is usually attended with more or less lameness 

 of the front limb on the side of the breakage. Fracture of the pelvis may 

 sometimes be felt by passing the hand up the rectum, or crepitus may be 



VOL. II. 49 



