FKACTUKE OF THE THIGH. 



301 



aid in preventing the animal from moving it. Except in obviously 

 fatal cases, it is difficult to distinguish between this accident and 

 severe sprain of the ''undercut" muscles (p. 61). Haemoglobin- 

 uria (p. 520) is sometimes mistaken for broken back by inex- 

 perienced jDcrsons ; although the dark-brown colour of the urine, 

 in the former, as well as the history of the case, should readily 

 serve to distinguish it from the latter. 



Broken back generally occurs from falls, or from the practice of 

 tying horses tightly up after casting them. 



Buttock, point of the. — See ' Tuberosity of the ischium," 

 page 309. 



Head of thigh bone 



Trochanter major 



Fig. Ii6. — Thigh bone (femur). {After Chauvcau.) 



Cannon Bone. 



If there is displacement, the ends of the bone should, if possible, 

 be brought into position without delay, and splints and bandages 

 applied ("General Treatment of Fractures," p. 297). 



Femur {Thigh Bone). 



The only not very uncommon fracture of the thigh bone I need 

 consider here, is that of the trochanter major (Figs. 115 and 116), 

 which is the bony mass that projects above the head of the thigh 

 bone (femur) and covers the hijD joint. The chief muscle which 

 extends the thigh, and thus aids in propelling the animal's body 

 forward, is attached to the trochanter major. The only treatment 

 is prolonged and perfect rest. The horse often recovers after this 

 accident sufficiently well for light work. If repair does not appear 

 to be readily taking place, the part may be blistered once or twice. 



