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tion 5 those of transverse processes of the lumbar vertebra ; those of 

 theboues of the face; those of the ilium ; and that of the coffin bones. 

 To continue the category, they are evidently curable when their posi- 

 tion and the character of the patient contribute to aid the treatment. 

 Those of the cranium, in the absence of cerebral lesions ; those of the 

 jaws ; of the ribs, with displa^cement ; of the hip ; and those of the bone 

 of the leg in movable regions, but where their vertical position admits 

 of perfect coaptation. 



On the contrar3^, a compound, complicated, or comminuted fracture, 

 in whatever region it may be situated, may be accounted incurable. 



In treating fractures time is an important element and "delays are 

 dangerous." Those of xecent occurrence unite more easily and more 

 regularly than older ones. 



Second. As a general rule, fractures are less serious in animals of the 

 smaller species than in those of more bulky dimensions. This influence 

 of s])ccics will be readily appreciated when we realize that the difficul- 

 ties involved in the treatment of the latter class have hardly any exist- 

 ence in connection with the former. The difference in weight aud size, 

 and consequent facility iu handling, and making the necessary applica- 

 tions of dressings and other appliances for the purpose of securing the 

 iudispensable immobility of the parts, aud usually a less degree of un- 

 easiness in the deportment of the patients are considerations iu this 

 connection of great weight. 



Third. In respect to the utilization of the animal, the most obvious 

 point in estimating the gravity of the case in a fracture accident is the 

 certainty of the total loss of the services of the patient during treat- 

 ment — certainly for a considerable period of time, perhaps permanently. 

 For example, the fracture of the jaw of a steer just fattening for the 

 shambles will involve a heavier loss than a similar accident to a horse. 

 Usually the fracture of the bones of the extremities in a horse is a very 

 serious casualty, the more so proportionately as the higher region of the 

 limb is alfected. In working animals it is exceedingly difficult to treat 

 a fracture in such a manner as to restore a limb to its original perfec- 

 tion of movement. A fracture of a single bone of an extremity in a 

 breeding stallion or mare will not necessarily impair their value as 

 breeders. Other specifications under this head, though pertinent and 

 more or less interesting, may be omitted. 



Fourth. Age and temper are important factors of cure. A young, 

 growing, robust patient, whose vis vitcv is active, is amenable to treat- 

 ment which one with a waning constitution aud past mature energies 

 would be unable to endure, and a docile, quiet disposition will act co- 

 operatively with remedial measures which would be neutralized by the 

 fractious opposition of a peevish and intractable sufferer. 



The fulfillment of three indications is indispensable in all fractures. 

 The first is the reduction, or the replacement, of the parts as nearly as 

 possible in their normal position. The second is their retention iu that 



