FRACTURE OF BONES 375 



Symptoms.— In practically every case the limb is held off 

 the ground, freely moved in all directions, and appears shorter 

 than normal. Care should be made to differentiate between 

 fracture and dislocation of the head of the femur. Examina- 

 tion of the limb will reveal the point of fracture. 



Diagnosis.— Fissuring of the bone may present some diffi- 

 culty but in other cases the diagnosis is easy. 



Prognosis.— Favorable. Union of the bones may result in 

 some permanent distortion, such as shortening the limb, or a 

 certain amount of angularity. 



Treatment.— An attempt should be made to bandage the 

 limb to keep the bones in apposition as nearly as possible. 

 A temporary muslin and splint bandage should be used until 

 the swelling subsides. Later a better and more permanent 

 dressing may be applied. As a rule union takes place quite 

 promptly and without much distortion. 



Fracture of the Patella. —This bone is very rarely fractured 

 in small animals. Careful palpation over the region would 

 reveal the condition. No treatment other than bandaging 

 can be applied. 



Fracture of the Tibia and Fibula.— These bones are the 

 seat of all types of fractures. Very common in dogs and 

 rabbits. The symptoms, prognosis and treatment are similar 

 to those given for the radius and ulna. 



