278 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



motion, a new joint is formed where the fracture occurred, over which 

 the animal has no controL As the leg hangs dependent from the 

 body, shortened by the ends of the bones being forced past one another 

 from the muscular contraction which invariably takes place, it swings 

 in an awkward and unnatural manner, permitting the toe and foot to 

 assume positions in their relations to other parts of the body which 

 otherwise would be impossible. If the fractured bone is so situated 

 that the parts may be moved one upon another, a grating sound, 

 known as crepitus, will be observed. 



GENERAL TREATMENT OF FRACTURES. 



When a fracture occurs, the advisability of attempting treatment 

 must first be detennined. If the animal be young, valuable, and of 

 reasonably quiet temperament, and the fracture not too great in 

 extent, the chances of recovery are fair. On the other hand, if the 

 animal should be of little value, irritable, advanced in years, and the 

 fracture a serious compound or comminuted one, the wiser course 

 would generally be to put the creature out of its misery. Having 

 determined to attempt treatment, no time should be lost in restoring 

 the parts as nearly as possible to their natural position and retaining 

 them there. If the ends of the bones have been drawn past one 

 another, they should, by firm and continuous tension, be drawn out 

 until they again assume the position in which they were before the 

 accident. All this can better be done before the swelling (which is 

 sure to result) takes place. If the swelling has occurred before the 

 injury is noticed, do not attempt to treat it, but proceed at once to 

 treat the fi\acture as though the swelling were not present, for no step 

 can be taken toward recovery until the ends of the bone have been 

 restored to their proper position. "VMien that is done and proper 

 appliances have been used to prevent them from being again mis- 

 placed, the swelling, which is the result of irritation, will be relieved. 

 In selecting the appliances to be used in the treatment of fracture 

 the judgment and ingenuity of the operator are of much importance. 

 Splints, made of wood shaped to fit the limb and padded w^ith soft 

 material where they come in contact with bony prominences, and held 

 in position by means of bandages, are the oldest method, and with 

 some are still most popular. The fracture pads used in human 

 surgery, and for sale in surgical depots, are very convenient. After 

 being dipped in water they may be molded to fit the limb and be 

 retained by means of bandages. Heavy sole leather is also used after 

 being soaked in warm wat-er and molded to the shape of the limb and 

 holes cut in it to fit over any sharp irregularities in the natural shape 

 of the bones. Gutta-percha sheets are also used and answer well. 

 They are prepared and used in the same way as the leather. 



