288 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



degree of sloughing will expose parts of the bones and be likely to 

 lead to serious complications and probably fatal results. 



Fractures of bones below the fetlock. — These fractures are 

 comparatively unimportant unless associated with other serious in- 

 jury. The parts can generally be held in position without much 

 difficulty, and union generally takes place quite rapidly. 



Appliances. — Of the appliances used in the treatment of the frac- 

 ture of limbs above the knee, splints made of wood or iron strips and 

 bandages are likely to serve best. Below the knee plaster of Paris 

 bandages are preferable. The writer is well aAvare that many of 

 the standard authors deprecate the use of the latter, but an extensive 

 experience leads me to believe that they have many advantages over 

 any of the other appliances when used alone, and they may in many 

 ways be used with advantage in combination with others. 



DISLOCATIONS. 



Luxation, or displacement of the bones forming a joint without 

 fracture, is comparatively rare among cattle. It most frequently 

 occui-s in the stifle joint, where dislocation of the kneepan (patella) 

 takes place. A glance at the skeleton (PI. XXV) will show the rela- 

 tions better than they can be described. It will be observed that 

 the small irregularly shaped bone (patella) plays on the anterior 

 rounded part of the lower edge of the thigh bone (femur) and be- 

 tween it and the upper end of the shank bone (tibia). The outer 

 ridge on the lower end of the thigh bone is less prominent than the 

 inner one, so that displacement, when it does take place, is by slip- 

 ping outward. Such an accident may occur from direct injury or 

 external force, as a blow, or from slipping. When it does occur 

 the symptoms produced are somewhat alarming. The animal is 

 unable to draw the leg forward, and either stands with it thrown 

 back with the toe pointing downward, or, if it should succeed in 

 getting its weight upon it, holds it firaily on the gi'ound, fearing to 

 moA-e it. Examination of the outside of the joint will disclose the 

 situation of the patella outside of its proper place. If the operator 

 is not familiar with the normal appearance of the joint, it is well 

 to make a comparison between the injured and the sound one. If 

 compelled to move, the animal does so with great difficulty, jerking 

 the leg which it is unable to bring forward, hopping with the other, 

 and partially dragging the injured one. 



Treatment. — The treatment is simple. A rope 20 feet long should 

 be applied around the fetlock of the affected leg, passed forward be- 

 tween the front legs and up over the opposite side of the neck, back 

 over the withers, and wrapped once behind the elbow around that 

 portion of the rope which passes between the front legs. The leg is 



