252 Local Injuries. 



In all cases the bones are carefully approximated in 

 the first instance, and the appliances are adjusted with 

 the view of remaining to the end. Care is required to 

 avoid too great pressure, and also to keep the animal 

 quiet. Slings may be called for, and domestic attention 

 with food must be of the first order. False joint is the 

 result of imperfect union. Fidgety animals keep up 

 constant motion, and displace the bones. A small frag- 

 ment also may be detached, and with constitutional 

 defects may set up abscess, or reduce vitality. 



Particular fractures will now be briefly considered. 



Bones of the Cranium. — These are for the most 

 part thin plates, but very strong, and enclosing the brain 

 within. The usual causes are blows, falls, &c, and the 

 results are often fatal. Compression of the brain follows 

 on the bones being driven inwards ; shock or concussion 

 is the result of violence ; and secondary compression is 

 due to extravasation of blood, or formation of pus, the 

 proceeds of local inflammation. Insensibility with coma, 

 paralysis of motion and sensation are common in the 

 first and second, and in the third they are delayed, 

 depending upon the liberation of blood and formation of 

 pus, sometimes for a few days. 



Treatment. — A surgical operation, known as trephin- 

 ing, may be required, as well as the elevation of bone. 



Occipital Crest. — This projection, situate between 

 the ears, is often removed by striking low archways, 

 stone lintels, &c, and is common in coal mines. 



Treatment. — Remove loose bones, and close the wound 

 by sutures, allowing the escape of pus. Use " Sanitas " 

 dressings. Repeated injuries produce disease of the 

 bone, as well as soft tissues, which require perfect rest 

 and constant attention. 



Bones of the Neck and Back. — Partial fracture 

 produces a variable amount of deformity, stiffness, and 

 pain, and in most cases the exact locality is not made 

 out during life. Paralysis and death also follow at 

 periods depending upon the severity and extent of the 

 injury. 



The Sacrum forms the upper prominence of the hind 



