INJURIES OF THE JOINTS- 281 



constantly. The best method is to soak a piece of absorbent 

 cotton iu water, lay it on the joint and bandage it up lightly, 

 moistening it in cold water from time to time. In old cases use 

 friction (massage) of the joint in a circular direction (twice daily 

 for ten or fifteen minutes), or use a tight bandage. Any stimu- 

 lating liniments, such as camphor, soap, or arnica, may be used, 

 but it is questionable whether the good effects are not due more 

 to the massage than to the drugs themselves. 



Distortions of the Joint {Sprains). By this is meant a twist- 

 ing or temporary displacement of the joint, as a rule, in a lateral 

 direction. The capsule and the ligaments may be partially torn 

 and in some cases entirely ruptured on one side. The round 

 ligament of the hip-joint is sometimes torn, as are also the tendons 

 of the knee-joint. 



Clinical Symptoms. When the sprain occurs there is violent 

 pain. The animals use the joint irregularly, or may carry the 

 member. The lameness increases, and in the region of the joint 

 swelling soon appears. Any manipulation of the joint produces 

 great pain, and we may be able to recognize a laceration of some 

 of the ligaments, and the joint shows greater mobility on one side 

 than the other. Where there is tearing of the broad ligaments 

 of the hip-joint there is nothing indicated beyond the lameness 

 and symptoms of pain when the joint is turned or twisted. 



Theeapeutics. The treatment of distortions, or sprains, is 

 the same as that for contusions. It is well, however, to be careful 

 to put the joint, by means of the bandage, as near as possible to 

 its original lines. 



Luxations of the Joint (Dislocations). While distortions of 

 the joints disappear in a short time in cases of luxation, if it is 

 not reduced it is lasting. If both surfaces of the joint are no 

 longer in contact, it is called an entire dislocation. If they are 

 partially in contact, it is called an incomplete luxation (subluxa- 

 tion). 



The causes of dislocation are, as a rule, mechanical, falling out 

 of windows, jumping from high objects, getting the foot caught, 

 and hanging, as iu jumping over a fence; concussions and blows by 

 being run over by vehicles, etc. In all dislocations there is invari- 

 ably laceration of the capsular ligament. This membrane only 

 remains intact in dislocations of the lower jaw. As a rule, the 



