314 



tlian in the surrounding joints. The si)lints, again, are covered v/ith 

 cloth bandages, linen jDreferably, soaked in a glutinous moisture. 

 These bandages are to be carefully applied, with a perfect condition 

 of lightness. They are usually made to embrace the entire length of 

 the leg, in order to avoid the possibility of interference with the cir- 

 culation of the extremity, as well as for the prevention of chafing. 

 They should be rolled from the lower part of the leg upwards, and 

 carefully secured against loosening. In some instances suspensory 

 bandages are recommended, but excepting for small animals our 

 experience does not justify a concurrence in the recommendation. 



These permanent dressings always need careful watching with ref- 

 erence to their immediate effect upoii the region ih.ey cover, especially 

 during the first daj'S succeeding that of their application. Any mani- 

 festation of ipain, or any appearance of swelling above or below, or 

 any odor suggestive of sui)puration should excite susi)icion, and a 

 thorough investigation should follow without delay. The removal of 

 the dressing should be i^erformed with great care, and especially so if 

 time enough has elapsed since its application to allow of a probability 

 of a commencement of the healing j)rocess or the existence of any 

 points of consolidation. With the original dressing properly applied 

 in its entirety in the first instance, the entire extremity will have lost 

 all chance of mobility, and the repairing process may be permitted to 

 proceed without interference. There will be no necessity and there 

 need be no haste for removal or change except under such sj)ecial 

 conditions as have just been mentioned, or when there is reason 

 to judge that solidification has become perfect, or for the comfort 

 of the animal, or for its readaptation in consequence of the atrophy of 

 the limb from want of use. Owners of animals are often tempted 

 to remove a splint or bandage jirematurely at the risk of producing 

 a second fracture in consequence of the failure of the callus properly 

 to consolidate. 



The method of applying the splints which we have described refers 

 to the simx)le varietj^ only. In a comi)Ound case the same rules must be 

 observed, with the modification of leaving oj)enings through the thick- 

 ness of the dressing, opposite the wound, in order to permit the escape 

 of pus and to secure access to the points requiring the application of 

 treatment. 



FEACTUEE OF DIFFEEENT BONES. 



Of the cranial hones. — Fractures of this varietj^ in large animals 

 are comparatively rare, though the records are not destitute of cases. 

 When they occur, it is as the result of external violence, the sufferers 

 being usually runaways which have come in collision with a wall or a 

 tree, or other obstruction ; or it may occur in those which in pulling 

 upon the halter have broken it with a jerk and been thrown back- 

 wards, as might occur in rearing too violently. Under these condi- 

 tions we have witnessed fractures of the parietal, of the frontal, and 



