280 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



carefully watched to see that the skin does not become chafed, par- 

 ticularl}^ at the lower end. If the bandage should become weak or 

 broken at any part, it may be strengthened without removal by 

 applying other bandages immediately over it. If swelling has taken 

 place before the bandage has been applied, there is likely to be some 

 loosening as it disappears, and even without the swelling there is 

 likely to be a tendency of the bandage to slide downward. This may 

 be overcome by fastening it to a suspender attached to a surcingle 

 or passed over the body and attached to the opposite leg. If the 

 looseness can not be overcome in this way, the space may be filled by 

 pouring in a thin paste of plaster of Paris. A better method, how- 

 ever, is to remove the bandage and apply another. Owing to the 

 hardness of the bandage it will be removed with some difficulty. A 

 deep groove should be cut down completely through it on the oppo- 

 site sides. This may be done with a chisel and a small hammer if 

 the bandage is carefully held by an assistant so that the concussion 

 of the blows is not transmitted to the injured bones. The patient 

 should have a roomy stall, and should be tied by the head to prevent 

 any attempts to move around. In some cases slings have been used. 

 Ordinarily, however, they are not satisfactory in cattle practice, and 

 if applied should only be for a few days at time, and with a view to 

 lessen the animal's disposition to lie down, rather than to prevent it. 

 When they are used continuously the pressure on the abdomen is 

 likely to interfere with digestion and the general health of the 

 animal. 



Modes of union. — The animal should be kept as quiet as possible 

 and given such food as will have a tendency to keep the bowels 

 slightly relaxed. The success of the operation will depend chiefly on 

 the skill of the operator, but not alone in the selection and use of the 

 appliances; for as much attention must be given to subsequent man- 

 agement. The patients are unreasonable, and a single awkward 

 motion may undo the work of weeks so far as the union of the parts 

 of the bone is concerned. Union takes place after the same process 

 and. if the conditions are favorable, with greater rapidity than in the 

 human being. The injury that caused the fracture is almost sure to 

 have extended to some of the adjacent tissues, and, even though the 

 fracture may be of the simplest type, there is almost sure to be con- 

 siderable hemorrhage around the ends of the broken bone. This, 

 however, is unimportant if the skin remains intact, unless a very 

 large vessel should be injured, or the fracture should open some of 

 the important cavities of the body, in which case a fatal hemorrhage 

 might result. If, on the other hand, the fracture be a compound one, 

 the external opening furnishes a fertile field for the lodgment of 

 disease-producing germs. 



