FRACTURES 



227 



of such an error being committed, but when fractures occur near joints, 

 the case is altered. Here it should be borne in mind that where dislocation 

 exists the displaced bones are more or less fixed, and the movements of the 

 joints are very much restricted or altogether prevented; whereas in fracture 

 the broken bone exhibits excessive mobility, allowing the limb to be moved 

 in various directions to an abnormal extent. 



Treatment. The first consideration which will arise on the occurrence 

 of a fracture in relation to treatment will be the value of the animal, the 

 prospects of a speedy recovery, and to what extent, if at all, his future 

 usefulness will be compromised. 



In this connection it will be safe to advise, no less from a sense of 

 humanity than from consideration of economy, 

 that when the animal is of little value he should 

 be slaughtered at once. If, however, it is other- 

 wise decided, the sooner measures of treatment are 

 adopted the better. Owing to the restlessness and 

 unreasoning action of 

 the patient, delay in 

 this respect is fraught 

 with the greatest dan- 

 ger. Many a simple 

 fracture, which, if ad- 

 justed at once, would 

 have speedily reunited, 

 has been converted 



into an incurable compound fracture by the unrestrained use which the 

 animal has been allowed to make of the injured limb after the occurrence 

 of the accident. A horse's highest intelligence fails to realize the advan- 

 tage of that perfect quiet upon which the surgeon sets so much store, in 

 guarding against an extension of the injury and in bringing about its 

 reparation. 



The moment a fracture is suspected every means should be adopted at 

 once to restrain the animal's movements, and to provide as far as possible 

 against any undue use or disturbance of the injured limb. 



If away from home, a splint should be extemporized, and the horse got 

 into the stable nearest to hand and allowed to remain there while under 

 treatment. If an ambulance cart can be procured without much delay, it 

 would be desirable to convey him at once wherever he may require to go; 

 but it should be kept in mind that the success of treatment is greatly 

 facilitated by the speedy readjustment of the broken bone. 



The prospect of treatment as to whether it is likely to be successful or 



Fig. 329. An Example of Compound Fracture 



