314 FEACTUEES. 



front of the sternum, and then jerking it outwards (adduction 

 and abduction). The crepitus thus obtained will be readily felt 

 when the hand during the process is kept firmly on the scapula, 

 but at the same time the crepitus, though distinct, will be dull, 

 and, of course, cannot be localised to any part of the scapula. 

 It will also be absent when the leg is moved backwards and for- 

 wards." 



In all cases of " dropped elbow," we should consider the possi- 

 bility of sprain of the shoulder (p. 58). 



The only rational TREATMENT is rest. 



Shoulder Blade. 



These fractures usually occur on the spine of the shoulder blade, 

 which is the ridge that stands out at right angles to the external 

 surface of the bone ; or, at the neck, which is the narrow and 

 rounded part just above the joint. The former accident is not very 

 serious. If a splinter is chipped off the spine, it will have to be 

 removed. If the neck of this bone is broken, the presence of 

 fracture may be perceived on looking at the part just above the 

 "point of the shoulder" (the shoulder joint), when the horse is 

 standing ; and the symptoms, more or less marked, of " dropped 

 elbow" (p. 313) will be present. By laying the flat of the hand 

 on the shoulder, crepitus will be felt, when the leg is brought 

 forwards and backwards. A fracture of the neck, or body, of the 

 shoulder blade, without displacement, will simply require a long 

 rest in slings. If the ends are displaced, an attempt should be 

 made to " set " them by " drawing the limb forward, and, by 

 means of the fist, pressing back into its position the part of the 

 bone that bulges out " {Dehvart). 



Tall. 



The bones of the tail are, sometimes, broken by falls. We should 

 endeavour to "set" them, and should support the part by padding, 

 and ap])ly, over the tail, a leather sheath, laced up moderately 

 tight. 



Thigh.— See '' Femur," page 301. 



Tibia. 



This bone (Fig. 115), is, on its inner surface, so unprotected, that 

 it is not uncommonly fractured by kicks and other injuries. Its 

 covering membrane is, however, so thick, that when this accident 



