268 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



together at that part. Such an accident also frequentlj^ occurs by 

 the foot in getting fastened in a hole in the floor; the wrenching is 

 the result of the animal's attempt to liberate it. Lameness, followed 

 by swelling of the joint and pain when it is handled, or when the 

 animal moves the joint, and heat, are the more noticeable symptoms. 

 If the sprain is very severe, the animal occasionally does not bear 

 its weight on the limb. 



Treatment. — The most important consideration in the treatment 

 of this affection is rest, which is best enforced by keeping the ani- 

 mal in the stall and placing strong, muslin bandages about the in- 

 flamed joint. As in the sprain of the shoulder, cold water in the 

 form of douches, continuous irrigation with hose or soaking tub, or 

 finely chopped ice poultices is indicated for the first three days. 

 Following this apply a Priessnitz bandage^ moderately tight about 

 the joint, which not only conduces to rest, but also favors absorption. 

 Massage with stimulating liniments, such as soap or camphor, may 

 later be applied to the affected parts. 



If the lameness has not disappeared by the tenth day, the blister 

 advised for the sprain of the shoulder should be applied and the 

 same precautions observed as to tying the animal's head and subse- 

 quent smearing with vaseline. ^^Hien a blister is applied in this 

 locality, the back part of the heel should be first filled with lard or 

 vaseline, and care taken to prevent any of the blistering preparation 

 from coming in contact with the skin of that part. If this precaution 

 is not observed, scratches may ensue and prove troublesome. 



Sprain of the hip. — This is liable to result from the animal's 

 slipping in such way as to spread the hind feet wide apart. The 

 patient goes stiff in the hind legs, or lame in one hind leg, walking 

 with a straddling gait and swinging the leg outward as it is carried 

 forward. Tenderness may occasionally be detected on pressure, but 

 owing to the heavy covering of muscles outside the joint this test is 

 not always reliable. 



In the acute cases give rest and cold local applications. After the 

 fourth or fifth day the blister mentioned for sprain of the shoulder 

 may be applied with advantage, and if this proves insufficient, as a 

 last resort we may fire in points over the joint. 



Sprain or the back. — Sprain of the back, particularly in the 

 region of the loins, is not an uncommon accident among cattle. It 

 is liable to occur from the animals slipping with both hind feet side- 



1 A Preissnitz bandage is a dressing which combines the three properties of keeping a 

 part warm, moist, and subjecting it to uniform pressure. It consists of three layers of 

 material. The inner layer is composed of absorbent cotton or some other material which 

 is capable of holding moisture. This is soaked in water and wrapped around the part. 

 The second layer consists of a substance which is impervious to moisture, as oiled silk 

 or oiled paper, and is applied abo\it the inner layer to prevent evaporation. The third or 

 outside layer is composed of a flannel or woolen bandage to prevent the radiation of beat 

 and thus keep the moist inner layer at the temperature of the body. 



