Accidents and Operations. 377 
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 Vertebre 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 fecal 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 
termed false jvint 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 51. 25 
