QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 229 



Describe symptoms and treatment of a fractured rib. 



Symptoms: Hurried breathing; crepitation with each respira- 

 tory movement ; if the pleura is injured, cough may be present. If 

 the skin is broken (compound fracture), fragments of bone may be 

 seen. 



Treatment: Complete rest and quiet. In compound fracture, 

 remove pieces of bone and dress the wound antiseptically. 



Give treatment for saddle-galls and collar-galls. 



Recent formations may disappear under the application of cold 

 and massage, or by painting with tincture of iodine. Chronic 

 thickenings and necrotic tissue must be removed with the knife. 



Describe fistula of the withers and give treatment. 



A hot, painful swelling in the region of the withers is seen. 

 There may be a discharge of pus through a small opening and the 

 lymph-vessels in the region stand out as small cords. There is 

 usually necrosis of the skin, subcutem, bursse, fascise, muscles and 

 bones in the affected region. 



Treatment: Operative removal of all necrotic tissue. Provide 

 drainage and dress wound daily with antiseptics. 



Give the treatment of a case of fistulous withers of three months' 

 standing. 

 See answer to preceding question. In a ease of three months' 

 standing, considerable connective-tissue proliferation will have 

 occurred ; this should be removed along with the necrotic tissue. 



Diseases op the Abdomen 



Describe a surgical treatment of acute gastric indigestion. 



Tapping of the stomach: Shave and disinfect an area 2 cm. 

 square over the point of greatest distention on the left side (usually 

 between the thirteenth and fourteenth ribs, about one hand's breadth 

 from the spinal column) . Use a trocar, 8 to 10 inches long, and drive 

 it in a vertical direction downward into the stomach. Allow the 

 gas to escape. The passing of the stomach tube would be a surgical 

 measure to be preferred. 



Give the symptoms of rupture of the diaphragm (diaphragmatic 

 hernia). 



Asphyxia from compression of the lungs ; symptoms of strangu- 

 lation of the bowels. It is difficult to diagnose. Tapping the intes- 

 tines through the thoracic walls and the obtaining of ingesta there- 

 from will aid in the diagnosis. 



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