THE HIND LIMB 



CHAPTER I 



,;^ SUPERFICIAL EXAMINATION 



In the region of the hip the first point which strikes an observer is 

 the marked prominence indicating the position of the underlying 

 external angle of the ilium. The lower the condition of the animal 

 the more prominent does this elevation become. It is frequently and 

 erroneously indicated by laymen as the position of the hip joint, and 

 owing to its great prominence and exposed situation is the most common 

 seat of fracture connected with the pelvis. It may be fractured by the 

 animal falling on its broadside, since in accidents of this kind it is the 

 part of the body which comes most forcibly into contact with the 

 ground. Fracture of it is also very commonly due to the animal's being 

 carelessly led or driven through a doorway. 



When fracture occurs the severed piece is usually displaced in the 

 downward direction, and remains in the position to which it has been 

 displaced on account of the action of the muscles which are attached 

 to it, namely, the anterior arm of the superficial gluteal, the tensor 

 vaginas femoris, and the internal and external oblique muscles of the 

 abdomen. In this position, however, union to the main portion of 

 the ilium usually occurs by ossification, but occasionally a false joint 

 may be formed by the union taking place through the formation of 

 fibrous tissue. In the former case the fracture has little effect upon 

 the action and working ability of the animal, but has a marked effect 



