FRACTURES. 233 



some measure a natural defect, it is often a proof that 

 the horse has been hard worked ; it is probable that 

 he can then endure little further exertion. 



The various structures which compose the limb 

 have been overtaxed ; they have become weak ; the 

 flexor tendons have been irritated to contract, and thus 

 the limb is greatly thrown out of the perpendicular. 

 There is little remedy for it but the constant appli- 

 cation of cool lotions with rest, while the horse enjoys 

 the salutary and bracing influence of cold effusions 

 on the legs and feet. 



FRACTURES. 



A horse is often condemned without cause, on 

 account of fracture of the bones of the fore legs. 

 Either the practitioner dislikes the trouble; or the 

 proprietor is loth to make the proper remuneration. 

 The only circumstances that will justify the abandon- 

 ment of a horse with fractured leg are when it is a 

 compound fracture ; the integument and muscular 

 parts being lacerated as well as the bone broken into 

 numerous pieces ; then, indeed, the case is hopeless. . 



The cure of fracture of the shank-bone may be un- 

 dertaken with fair prospect of success. All that is to 

 be done is to cut the hair closely off the part ; to bring 

 — and as gently as may be — the divided edges of the 

 bones in apposition : to retain them there by means of 

 splints, which shall reach a considerable way above 

 and below the injured part. 



The limb should first be well encased in cloth ; 

 then upon the outside of the cloth, wood which has 

 been well boiled should be annlied. In this condition 



