caused by the broken bone pressing upon the spinal marrow, is often 

 absolute ; while in the former case the paralysis is mostly not so severe. In 

 broken back, if the animal has not regained his feet, and it is deemed 

 advisable to give him a chance of recover}'-, he must be treated in the 

 recumbent position. If he regains his feet, he should be placed in slings. 

 When the bones are much displaced, and great irregularity is felt in passing 

 the hand down the back, and when paralysis is very marked, recovery is 

 mostly impossible, and it is the kindest course to put the animal out of 

 suffering. 



Of the dislocations found in the horse, the two most common are 

 dislocation of the patella and of the shoulder. We purpose here only to 

 speak of the former. The patella — the little bone in front of the stifle joint 

 of the horse — corresponds with the knee-cap of the human being. Foals, 

 more especially weakly and debilitated animals with lax tissues and 

 ligaments, are greatly liable to this injury. Dislocation of the patella may 

 be partial or complete. It is an easily recognised injury. In cases of 

 complete dislocation, the limb is held stiffly, and is directed backwards. 

 The front part of the hoof, moreover, is brought into contact with the 

 ground ; and the animal walks with great difficulty, the limb being carried 

 stiffly and straightly. There will also be lameness when the injury is only 

 partial, but this will not be so marked. In partial dislocation, the bone will 

 sometimes pass back into its proper position, when the animal is suddenly 

 moved forward. 



The best method of reducing dislocation of the patella is to tie a firm 

 rope round the pastern bone of the injured leg. The rope should then be 

 pulled forward by one man, while another individual should press upon the 

 displaced bone, and endeavour to push it into its proper place. While this 

 is being done, it is best to back the animal. Sometimes this method is not 

 successful. In this case, chloroform is often administered, with a view of 

 causing laxity of those muscles, which are attached to the patella. After the 

 reduction of the patella, it is necessary to take steps to make it retain its 

 proper position. With this object, the rope attached round the pastern is 

 passed forward round the neck as a collar, or it is attached to a collar. A 

 blister may now be applied to the limb, and may be repeated in about a 

 week's time. It is well to be careful at first not to allow too much exercise, 

 but to increase it gradually, as the animal is able to bear it. 



