292 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



ture. The parts can not be moved one upon another so that crepitus 

 is noticeable. The heavy coating of muscles conceals irregularities of 

 shape, which would otherwise be likely to attract attention. About 

 the only reliable symptom is paralysis or loss of use and sensation of 

 the parts posterior to the injury ; careful examination may reveal the 

 seat of the injury. If it was the result of a blow there is likely to be 

 some abrasion of the skin. The diagnosis is only important as an aid 

 in determining the proper course to pursue. If. paralysis is present 

 and a depression or irregularity of the spinal-column is so apparent as 

 to leave no doubt of the existence of a fracture, the only alternative is 

 to destroy the animal, for of recovery there can be no hope. If, on the 

 other hand, the paralysis is incomplete, and there is no depression or 

 irregularity of the spinal column or other evidence of fracture, the 

 patient should be made as comfortable as possible by being placed in a 

 well-bedded box stall and a few days permitted to elapse before the 

 case is abandoned. The symptoms last described might possibly be 

 the result of a severe strain of the muscles of the loins, in which case 

 an improvement will soon be noticeable. 



Fractures of the pelvis. The pelvis or bony framework which gives 

 shape to the posterior part of the body is liable to fracture in many 

 ways. A common one is by a separation of the two bones which con- 

 stitute the whole pelvis along the bottom and center line (sympliysis 

 pubis). In early life the two bones are separate and distinct. The 

 union between them which is at first cartilaginous undergoes a change 

 and is converted into bone; so that in adult life the whole pelvis is 

 practically one bone. The point on which the two bones are united is 

 weaker than the adjoining parts of the bone. When an animal slips 

 violently, spreading the legs wide apart, the weaker materials give way 

 and the bones are divided. If the accident is noticed when it occurs it 

 is likely to throw light on the nature of the injury. The animal will 

 be immediately noticed going stiff behind, the legs being spread apart. 

 Further examination maybe made by introducing the hand, previously 

 carefully oiled, into the rectum or vagina and pressing down along the 

 central line, which will cause the patient to evince acute pain. In this 

 case no appliance can be used to advantage. The animal should be tied 

 in a stall until the parts become reunited and the lameness disappears. 



Fracture of the posterior part of the bone (ischium) which forms the 

 point of the buttocks occasionally occurs. The buttock on the injured 

 side will be less prominent than the other. Careful manipulation will 

 generally move the parts so that crepitus may be recognized. If the 

 fracture is through the posterior part of the bone it is unimportant and 

 deserving of no more attention than placing the animal in such a posi- 

 tion as to insure it against subsequent injury until the bones are united. 

 Some distortion is likely to result, but not sufficient to warrant inter- 

 ference. 



Fracture through the body of the bone on a line with the hip joint 



