236 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



FRACTURE OF THE DORSAL AND LUMBAR VERTEBRAE 



It is here, in the back or loins, that fracture of the vertebrae most 

 frequently occurs. In this as in other fractures old animals are much more 

 liable to the mishap than younger ones, owing to their bones containing 

 a larger amount of earthy matter, which adds materially to their brittleness. 



When fracture occurs in these divisions of the spine it usually involves 

 one or both of the last two dorsal vertebrae, and the first or first and second 

 bone of the loins. 



Various causes conduce to fracture here. Violent muscular contraction 

 at the time of being cast for a surgical operation, or during the course of its 

 performance, is one of the most common. 



Some Continental veterinarians affirm that the accident happens in 

 the fall, while others regard it as occurring during the struggles which 

 follow. We are satisfied, however, that it occurs at both periods, but we 

 are unable to say to which of these causes it is most frequently due. 



Fracture of the dorsal and lumbar vertebrae has resulted from violent 

 straining while being cast in the stable with the legs entangled in the tie- 

 rope, and from a heavy load falling on the spine of old horses when the 

 hind-legs suddenly slip from under them. To hunters and chasers it 

 sometimes occurs as the result of jumping short and alighting with the 

 hind-legs in a deep drain, or in the subsequent struggle to reach the 

 bank. 



Fracture of the vertebrae in the region of the withers or the loins may 

 result from falling over backwards, and it has been said to have occurred in 

 kicking, and also while galloping and in starting heavy loads. 



Symptoms. Pressure on the spinal cord from displacement of the 

 broken fragments usually occasions paraplegia or paralysis of the hind- 

 quarters. This result may come about at once, or it may be deferred for 

 some hours or, rarely, days. Where pressure exists, the animal sinks to 

 the ground and fails to rise. After it has done so, the hind-limbs are 

 limp, and project straight out at right angles with the body. The muscles 

 quiver, and patchy sweat appears about the thighs. In the animal's 

 efforts to get up, the fore-end is raised, but the hind extremities are 

 helpless and the quarters incapable of movement. 



When pricked with a pin there is usually no response, behind the 

 seat of fracture sensation as well as motion being paralysed. Where 

 these symptoms are wholly present it may be reasonably concluded that 

 fracture exists, but it must be understood that paraplegia or paralysis of 

 the posterior part of the body may result from concussion of the spinal 



