204 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



under it, and sometimes by contraction of tbe mus- 

 cles of the thigh. Symptoms of this fracture are 

 shortening of the leg, the toe being turned inward, 

 and a depression in the muscles over the seat of 

 the fracture. In such a case put the animal in 

 slings. If it is a simple fracture it will likely 

 unite, but if it is a compound fracture it is better to 

 destroy the animal. 



Fracture of the Stifle Joint of the Patella (Stifle 

 Bone). — This is caused by violence, such as kicks. 

 This kind of fracture is incurable. Fractures of the 

 lower part of the leg are the same as in the front 

 leg. 



Fractures of the Ribs Caused by Kicks and Oth- 

 er Injuries. — If the ends of the ribs are pressing on 

 the lungs it will be necessary to cut down on them 

 and draw them outward and apply a pitch plaster 

 over the opening to prevent air getting into the 

 lungs. In the treatment of all fractures it is nec- 

 essary to keep the animal as quiet as possible, and 

 in some cases it requires someone to be in constant 

 attendance. The animal should have a physic to 

 cool the system, a dose of aloes for the horse and 

 Epsom salts for cattle. This to be followed by giv- 

 ing half an ounce of nitrate of potassium in the 

 drinking water once a day. If the animal is suffer- 

 ing much pain give two drams of opium made into 

 a ball, or give it in a little oatmeal gruel; or if 

 there is much fever a few doses of tincture of acon- 

 ite, twenty drops every two hours in a little water. 

 If the injured parts are hot and tender bathe them 

 several times a day with acetate of lead half an 



