FRACTURES. 453 
The diagnosis of a phalangeal fracture is not always an easy matter. 
When it is on the first phalanx, severe lameness, pain under manual explora- 
tion, swelling, abnormal mobility, crepitation, will assist in making it. If 
it involves the second phalanx, the hoof may interfere with the detection 
of the pathognomonic signs. The great sensibility to manipulation and 
twisting of the region is not always sufficient for a diagnosis. In the case 
of a fracture of the third phalanx following a deep punctured wound of 
the foot by a nail (Duliege, Trasbot), or after a keraphylocele (Nocard), 
the lesion may be easily made out. If the fracture is due to violent con- 
tusion or to a crushing of the foot, it may be suspected by the severity of 
the lameness and perhaps positively made out, according to the condition 
of the wall, which may be intact, broken through or entirely torn off. 
Is there any advantage to treat phalangeal fractures ? is a question upon 
which opinions differ much. Reul says it is altogether anti-economical 
“to treat accidents of this kind, when they occur in adults or old working 
horses. It is only proper to attempt it in colts or selected breeding 
animals or those of great value.’ Though this opinion is that of many, 
it seems to us exaggerated. In general, compound comminuted fracture 
should not be treated, specially if the animal is old and of little value; 
but, on the contrary, one is tu interfere in cases of simple fracture upon 
young or adult subjects. It is true that union is always accompanied with 
the formation of an enormous callus, which interferes with joints and 
tendons and gives rise to lameness which is rebel to firing and blistering. 
But by neurotomy (plantar, high or double, median or sciatic), the lame- 
ness diminishes very much and the regularity of action may be restored. 
At present, there is in Alfort a thoroughbred which has been neurotomized, 
high and double operation, after a fracture of the first pastern: the result 
has been that for the last six years he does good work. Facts of this 
nature are not uncommon, and on this account we advocate the treat- 
‘ment of those fractures in a number of eases. 
The tendons and ligaments of the region may be sufficient for perfect 
‘contention, specially for fractures of the os corona. Recovery demands 
rest, immobilization of the extremity or a blister over the digital region. 
With fractures of the first phalanx, when the fragments have a tendency 
to move upon each other, it is better to have recourse to plaster bandage 
(St. Cyr, Quinn, Rouillart, Méller). St. Cyr enveloped first the coronet and 
lower half of the cannon with a bandage covered with plaster mush; over 
this a second band and then a second coat of plaster; oakum dipped in 
the hardening mixture and a roller applied from downwards upwards com- 
pleted the dressing. The animal was left loose; two months later union 
was complete; after three months, he was scarcely lame on walking ; he 
‘soon resumed work. Quinn, in a fracture of one hind coronet, applied 
