FRACTURE OF THE BONES OF THE FORE EXTREMITY 255 



segments from the general surface. With this will be associated great 

 soreness at and about the seat of injury. 



The fracture may be complicated with perforation of the chest or an 

 external wound. In the former case pleurisy of a local or general character 

 will be excited, or should the lung be punctured or torn, as sometimes 

 occurs, signs of pneumonia will be present, or both may exist together. 

 In these cases the breathing will be more or less disturbed, accompanied 

 by cough, and the more serious symptoms incidental to disease of the 

 chest. An external wound connected with traumatic injury to the pleura 

 and lungs is a serious complication, and one which is invariably attended 

 with the greatest danger. 



Where the broken ends of the bone are sharp and cutting, the inter- 

 costal blood-vessel may be divided and give rise to haemorrhage. 



In fracture of the front ribs severe lameness of the fore-limb on the side 

 of the injury is of common occurrence. This would seem to result from the 

 movement of the broken bone by the serratus magnus muscle, which not 

 only enlarges the chest in the act of inspiration, but supports the trunk as 

 in a sling (fig. 44, Vol. I) between the fore extremities. 



Treatment. In cases of simple fracture, without displacement, it is 

 good practice to place the animal in slings for a fortnight or three weeks, 

 and then provide him with a good straw bed and keep him quiet. 



Where displacement has occurred, by which the lung is interfered with, 

 it might be necessary to attempt re-position notwithstanding that the 

 operation is attended with considerable danger. 



For this purpose an incision will require to be made over the seat of 

 fracture. The finger or a suitable lever must then be carefully introduced 

 and brought to bear on the inner side of the front edge of that portion 

 of the bone whose point is directed inwards, and when the chest expands 

 in the act of breathing an attempt should be made to bring the displaced 

 fragment into position by pressing it outwards. 



Before proceeding with the operation the hair should be closely clipped 

 off the part, and the skin thoroughly washed with soap and water, and 

 then well irrigated with carbolic or some other antiseptic solution. Instru- 

 ments should also be disinfected, and the wound subsequently treated anti- 

 septically. 



If the displacement does not interfere with the lung, it is not desirable 

 to interfere with it. Time and a period of rest in slings is all that can be 

 done to effect a union. 



Where a wound is produced at the time of the fracture, advantage should 

 be taken to rectify displacement, if such exists, by the method above de- 

 scribed under antiseptic precautions. 



