286 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



4 



until they again assume the position in which they were before the 

 accident. All this can better be done before the swelling which is 

 sun- to result takes place. If the swelling has occurred before the 

 injury is noticed do not attempt to treat it, but proceed at once to treat 

 the fracture as though the swelling were not present, for no step can 

 be taken toward recovery until the ends of the bone have been restored 

 to proper position. When that is done and proper appliances have 

 been used to prevent them from being again misplaced, the swelling, 

 which is the result of irritation, will be relieved. In selecting the appli- 

 ances to be used in the treatment of fracture, the judgment and inge- 

 nuity of the operator are of much importance. Splints, made of wood 

 shaped to fit the limb, and padded with soft material where they come 

 in contact with bony prominences, and held in position by means of 

 bandages, are the oldest method, and with some are still the most 

 popular. The fracture-pads used in human surgery, and for sale in 

 surgical depots, are very convenient. After being dipped in water 

 they may be molded to fit the limb and be retained by means of ban- 

 dages. Heavy sole leather is also used after being soaked in warm 

 water and molded to the shape of the limb and holes cut in it to fit 

 over any sharp irregularities in the natural shape of the bones. Gutta- 

 percha sheets are also used and answer well. They are prepared and 

 used in the same way as the leather. 



Another, and perhaps the simplest of all methods, is the application 

 of a plaster ol Paris bandage, which is made as follows : Strips of thin 

 cheese-cloth, 3 inches wide and 8 or 9 feet long, are laid flat on a board 

 and on them is spread a layer of plaster of Paris about one-eighth of an 

 inch thick, then starting at one end rolling carefully so as to gather the 

 plaster in between the layers of the bandage. It is, of course, impor- 

 tant that the cloth be thin and the plaster of Paris fresh and active. 

 After preparing four or five of such bandages the operator is ready to 

 dress the fracture, which, after the parts have been brought into posi- 

 tion, should be done by covering all that part of the limb to which the 

 plaster of Paris bandage is to be applied with a single layer of the dry 

 bandage, letting it extend both above and below the part to which the 

 plaster of Paris bandage is to be applied and including under the folds 

 of the dry bandage at each end a layer of absorbent cotton, which is 

 intended to form a pad to prevent the ends of the plaster of Paris 

 bandage from chafing the skin beneath. When this is done one of the 

 plaster of Paris bandages should be placed in a vessel of water and 

 allowed to remain till the air-bubbles have ceased to arise from it, which 

 will generally indicate that it is soaked through. Then taking it in the 

 hand wind it carefully around and around the limb, unrolling the band- 

 age as it is wound around the limb, occasionally smoothing down the 

 plaster of Paris. Should it form roughly or in ridges the hand may be 

 dipped in water to impart increased moisture while doing so. When 

 about finished with one bandage place another one in the "water so that 



