Local Injuries, 251 



CHAPTER XXVIII, 

 LOCAL INJURIES. 



Fractures of Bones— General Treatment — Particular Fractures — Ostitis— 

 Splints — Open Joint — Sprain — Ringbones — Sidebones — Navicular 

 Disease— Luxation of the Patella — Capped Hock — Curb — Capped Elbow. 



Fractures of bone are of several kinds. Long bones 

 are subject to forms known as transverse, when the divi- 

 sion is across and at right angles; oblique, when the 

 broken surfaces are parallel but extending from one side 

 to the other and the terminals of both being towards the 

 ends of the injured bone; comminuted, when the bone is 

 reduced to many fragments ; and compound, when the 

 splinters, &c, protrude externally through flesh and skin. 

 The transverse and oblique forms are the only truly 

 manageable among horses. Peculiarity of form as well 

 as situation also greatly reduce the possibilities of a cure, 

 as perfect rest, which is indispensable for the purpose, is 

 always greatly interfered with if not altogether impos- 

 sible. 



Fractures are known by acute lameness, inability to 

 use the limb, or rest upon it, intense pain and high fever, 

 all of which are sudden in their appearance and may be 

 traced to some accident, &c. Swelling may also be 

 present, and manipulation gives rise to grating of the 

 rough surfaces, known as crepitus. There is also more 

 or less deformity. 



Treatment of fractures is rendered uncertain by the 

 inability to keep the animal sufficiently quiet. The 

 appliances are splints made from wood, or gutta percha, 

 the latter being softened in hot water and moulded upon 

 the limb. Starch bandages, or strips of stout cotton fabric 

 saturated in a strong solution of starch, are bound upon 

 the limb, and in a few hours set firm and strong ; Plaster 

 of Paris, melted pitch and tow ; but the first and second 

 are the most useful. 



