bones: diseases and accidents. 279 



extends across the flat surface of the bone from its outer and poste- 

 rior edge forward and inward. Distortion is liable to be the only 

 noticeable symptom. The detached portion varies in size in different 

 cases and with it the resulting deformity. The animal is noticed to 

 be slightly lame, but this symptom soon disappears. The detached 

 portion of the bone is drawn downward and away from the main 

 part by the action of the muscles below, which are so powerful as to 

 render return impossible. The bones therefore remain permanently 

 separated, union taking place by fibrous callus. The animal suffers 

 very little inconvenience, and for practical use may be as serviceable 

 as before the accident, though the distorted appearance depreciates 

 its value. 



Fracture of the ribs. — Such an occurrence can take place only 

 as the result of a direct injury, as from blows or crowding. The pos- 

 terior ribs, being more exposed, are more liable to fracture. Pain in 

 moving, slight swelling over the seat of injury, and difficult breathing 

 are obvious symptoms. If the fracture is complete, crepitation may 

 be occasionally noticed by placing the hand flat over the injured 

 part, carefully observing the motion as the chest contracts and ex- 

 pands during respiration. This symptom is more noticeable when the 

 animal coughs. Unless the point of the broken bone penetrates the 

 cavity of the chest the fracture is usually unimportant and calls for 

 no treatment other than quiet. If the breathing is very labored and 

 attended with much pain, motion may be limited by applying a wide 

 bandage firmly around the chest. The animal should be restricted 

 in the amount of feed and water for a few days, the stomach being 

 kept as nearly empty as possible. Sloppy feed should be given to 

 encourage, as much as possible, free action of the diaphragm in 

 breathing. 



Fracture or bones of the limbs. — On this subject much has been 

 said in the preceding remarks on general fractures. As a rule, 

 fracture through one of the large bones of the shoulder (scapula) or 

 thigh (femur) is very difficult to manage. The powerful contraction 

 of the muscles and the changing shape of the limb resulting from 

 their action renders it impossible to retain the detached parts of the 

 bone in proper position. Therefore, though the union should take 

 place, there is almost sure to be considerable deformity and more or 

 less lameness. Fracture of the arm (humerus) or leg (tibia) is 

 likely to be attended with better results. The muscular covering is 

 not so thick, the sheath in which they are held is more tense, and the 

 change in the shape of the limb from muscular action not so notice- 

 able, the muscular force not so great, all of which facilitate replac- 

 ing the dislodged ends and retaining them. 



Fracture of the knee (carpus) and hock (tarsus). — This sel- 

 dom occurs unless it is the result of a very violent injury, and is gen- 



