DISLOCATION OF ARTICULATIONS— LUXATION 381 



the limb. Protect the joint by placing a pad of cotton under 

 a bandage. Keep the bandage on for two or three weeks. 



Phalangeal.— Dislocation is very common and results from 

 traumata. A careful examination should always be made 

 to differentiate luxations from fractures, and to definitely 

 determine the joint displaced. They should be reduced as 

 early as possible and a bandage applied. Keep the bandage 

 in position for two to three weeks. 



Coxofemoral.— This is one of the most common disloca- 

 tions in dogs, cats and rabbits. It may be partial or com- 

 plete. When partial the damage is mainly in connection 

 with the capsular ligament, while in complete luxation the 

 entire joint structure and the adjacent tissues are involved. 



Etiology.— Being struck by objects, run over by vehicles, 

 and having the foot caught in traps, etc., are the most com- 

 mon causes. Extreme extension of the limb from any cause 

 may bring it about. 



Symptoms. —The most frequent form of luxation is forward 

 and upward. The animal is found with the limb fixed in a 

 backward, adducted position, and refuses to place any weight 

 on it. An enlargement will be noted just anterior to the 

 normal position of the joint, and on palpation the head of 

 the femur can be felt. Manipulation of the limb will at once 

 reveal the condition. Luxation into the foramen ovale is 

 not common but occurs in a small percentage of cases. The 

 limb appears longer than normal, is slightly abducted, and 

 the stifle joint is turned outward. Adduction of the limb 

 is difficult and impossible to the normal degree. Palpation 

 of the parts will easily diagnose the condition. 



A backward, upward luxation occurs occasionally and the 

 position of the limb is forward and inward, with an enlarge- 

 ment present on the posterior aspect of the joint. Careful 

 examination will determine the relationship of the parts. In 

 partial luxation the animal is able to move the limb and 

 shows lameness but very little deformity. Chronic conditions 

 become accommodated to the movements of the anim 

 through the formation of a pseudo-articulation. 



Prognosis.— Iiather unfavorable for a complete recovery. 

 Early cases are much more favorable than those of a few days 

 or weeks standing. 



