FRACTURES. 85 



broken in pieces, and the ends of the broken bones are 

 seen cutting through the skin, and, possibly, severing 

 some of the blood vessels, causing, in many cases, death 

 from loss of blood. 



The first, or simple fracture, is the only variety that 

 calls for much notice, as the other forms of fracture, 

 when occurring in horses, are beyond remedy. Simple 

 fracture of the following named bones may, with care, be 

 in a great measure cured, and the animal be made useful 

 for many purposes. As, for instance, it would be obvi- 

 ously wrong to have a valuable mare destroyed, because 

 of simple fracture of one of many bones, as she would be 

 useful for breeding purposes, if not for the farm or the 

 road. 



Fracture of the bones of the leg any where from the 

 elbow down, except it may be the knee joint, can readily, 

 with a little care and attention, be secured in its place, 

 and the animal be made useful. So also the hind legs 

 from the hock down to the foot. Fracture of the ribs 

 usually get well of themselves, because they are always 

 kept in place. So also of the haunch bone. Indeed, 

 simple fracture of most any of the long bones will unite 

 of their own accord, if the bones are put and kept in 

 their place by proper fixings. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of fracture of the long 

 bones of the legs are seen at once by the looseness of the 

 leg, the horse not having the power to move it. The leg 

 can be turned in any direction. The horse is in great 

 pain, excitement, sweating, etc. If there are bones 

 pointing through the skin, the horse had better be shot. 



Treatment. — Place the horse, if in summer season, in 

 the field, and in winter in the barn-yard, where there is 



