Accidents and Operations. S7T 



chief done, that it was far wiser to remove it entirely than 

 to allow it to remain and take the chance of its uniting. 



" In a few days the- dog began to experience relief from 

 the operation, and to be somewhat conscious of what was 

 taking place around him. He still requires care and at- 

 tention, and proper medicinal agents to be administered 

 from time to time ; but with the exception of occasionally 

 turning round when on the floor, he takes his food well, and 

 obeys his master's call."* 



Fracture of the Vertebrce occasionally happens in dogs 

 used for the chase. It is needless to say that such cases 

 usually terminate in paralysis and death. 

 ' The after-treatment of fracture is very simple. Quietude 

 and attention to the bowels and diet, are the points mainly 

 to be observed. The bowels should be kept gently relaxed 

 this is especially needful in fracture of the hind extremities, 

 and particularly the pelvis, as the animal in placing himself 

 in position for faecal evacuation is apt, in the strain and 

 weight almost necessarily thrown on the injured part, to 

 displace the fracture. The diet should be plain, unstimu- 

 lating, and relaxing. When an excessive amount of swelling 

 takes place in the foot after the setting of a fractured limb, 

 the bandages may be slit up a little distance between the 

 splints, and the foot soaked in, or sponged with, warm 

 water. 



The removal of splints should never take place until the 

 expiration of at least four weeks, unless they have become 

 disarranged, or the setting is not correct. 



False Joints. — When a fracture fails to unite by osseous 

 matter, and a fibrous connection is substituted, what is 

 l&rmQd false joint is established. In the long bones, treat- 

 ment is more, easily and satisfactorily adopted than in other 

 situations. When it is found on the removal of the sup- 

 port that osseous union has not taken place, the limb should 



* Trans. Vet. Med. Assoc, i„ S'- 



