FRACTURES. 305 



weight and size, and consequent facility in handling and making the 

 necessary applications of dressings and other appliances for the pur- 

 pose of securing the indispensable immobility of the parts, and 

 usually a less degree of uneasiness in the deportment of the patients 

 are considerations in this connection of great weight. 



Third. In respect to the utilization of the animal, the most obvious 

 point in estimating the gravity of the case in a fracture accident is 

 the certainty of the total loss of the services of the patient during 

 treatment certainly for a considerable period of time ; perhaps per- 

 manently. For example, the fracture of the jaw of a steer just 

 fattening for the shambles will involve a heavier loss than a similar 

 accident to a horse. Usually the fracture of the bones of the extrem- 

 ities in a horse is a very serious casualty, the more so proportionately 

 as the higher region of the limb is affected. In working animals it 

 is exceedingly difficult to treat a fracture in such a manner as to 

 restore a limb to its original perfection of movement. A fracture of 

 a single bone of an extremity in a breeding stallion or mare will not 

 necessarily impair their value as breeders. Other specifications under 

 this head, though pertinent and more or less interesting, may be 

 omitted. 



Fourth. Age and temper are important factors of cure. A young, 

 growing, robust patient whose vis vitce is active is amenable to treat- 

 ment which one with a waning constitution and past mature energies 

 would be unable to endure; and a docile, quiet disposition will act 

 cooperatively with remedial measures which would be neutralized by 

 the fractious opposition of a peevish and intractable sufferer. 



The fulfillment of three indications is indispensable in all fractures. 

 The first is the reduction, or the replacement, of the parts as nearly 

 as possible in their normal position. The second is their retention in 

 that position for a period sufficient for the formation of the provi- 

 sional callus, and the third, which, in fact, is but an incident of the 

 second, the careful avoidance of any accidents or causes of miscar- 

 riage which might disturb the curative process. 



In reference to the first consideration, it must be remembered that 

 the accident may befall the patient at a distance from his home, and 

 his removal becomes the first duty to be attended to. Of course, this 

 must be done as carefully as possible. If he can be treated on the spot, 

 so much the better, though this is seldom practicable, and the method 

 of removal becomes the question calling for settlement. But two 

 ways present themselves he must either walk or be carried. If the 

 first, it is needless to say that every caution must be observed in order 

 to obviate additional pain for the suffering animal and to avoid any 

 aggravation of the injury. Led slowly, and with partial support, if 

 practicable, the journey will not always involve untoward results. If 



H. Doc. 795, 59-2 20 



