184 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 



parts together, securing them in that position by spHnts and bandages, 

 usually left on six to seven weeks, drainage and antiseptic treatment 

 of the fracture if a compound, entire rest of the patient for at least 

 three months in a well-bedded (short material, such as cut straw, shav- 

 ings, sawdust, being used) box. Give good, nutritious, laxative food 

 and plenty of green grass, if available. 



Fractures may be detected by the presence of sudden, severe lame- 

 ness, deformity of the part, which can be moved in unnatural directions, 

 great pain, fever, and the grating (crepitus) of the ends of the bones 

 together. Fracture of the tibia (bone of the lower thigh) sometimes 

 occurs without displacement, being held in place by the strong perios- 

 teum. Fractures in old horses are always dangerous. In younger 

 horses there is possibility of repair, if given proper treatment and nurs- 

 ing. Fractures of the hind legs are more serious than those of the fore ; 

 in the former, if above the hock, unless in very young animals, are 

 usually not worth treating. Surgical operations are better avoided if 

 possible during fly time or in animals far advanced in pregnancy. 



