200 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



lion, causing inflammation and mortification. The 

 bones of the horse or cattle will unite as readily as 

 in the human being if we could only keep the parts 

 quiet. 



Mode of union: First, there is an exudation of 

 lymph, which is at first slightly granular, but be- 

 comes, at a later period, elastic and moderately 

 firm. It soon attains firmness, which is called a 

 callus, and by degrees this is consolidated into 

 hard bone. After a time the callus becomes par- 

 tially or wholly absorbed, leaving the parts nearly 

 smooth. Therefore in simple fracture, even if the 

 parts are not kept quiet, the developing process 

 will go on. It being elastic, will at first allow of a 

 certain amount of motion, and as it hardens the 

 motion becomes less until it stops altogether. I 

 have known colts to be turned out with a broken 

 leg, and if inflammation did not set in, would soon 

 get all right. 



Treatment of fractures: The first thing to do is 

 to reduce the fracture as soon as possible and keep 

 the ends of the bones in apposition to prevent them 

 from lacerating the flesh or soft tissue; and before 

 swelling and inflammation set in, place the horse 

 in a sling. This can be done by fixing four posts 

 wide enough for the animal's body and far enough 

 apart so that the posts in front will be in line with 

 the horse's breast and the others at the hips. Then 

 take two poles and sew strong bags to them and 

 place one of the poles on each side and the bags 

 under the animal's belly, then fasten the poles to 

 the posts and put a cross-piece in front and one 



