INJURIES OF THE JOINTS. 283 



There is also a slight crepitation. This, however, is soft, and not 

 the hard, rough crepitation that we find in fractures. 



Luxations are not dangerous to life except those of the vertebrae, 

 but they are very troublesome, and, as a rule, make slow recov- 

 eries. Dislocations can be reduced quickly where the animal is 

 seen a short time after the injury; but in rare cases, on account of 

 the lacerated condition of the capsule and ligament, it is rather 

 diificult to hold the injured joint in position after it has been 

 reduced. 



Theeapeutic Teeatmbnt. The treatment consists of: 1. 

 Reduction of the dislocation. 2. In holding the joint in position 

 after the reduction has been made. 



It is rather hard to lay down any rule to be followed in all cases, 

 but try if possible to return the joint in the same position as it 

 was before, comparing it with the joint of the opposite leg, follow- 

 ing, as a rule, the same procedure as that followed in fractures of 

 the bone. As soon as the reduction is made the joint must be 

 dressed and allowed to remain if possible for a period of three 

 weeks (further particulars will be found in the chapter relating to 

 fractures of the bones and wounds), so that the soft parts which are 

 lacerated — the capsule and the ligaments — may have an opportunity 

 to grow together and return the joint to its normal position. If 

 the dressing cannot be applied in cases of dislocation of the hip, 

 the animal must be kept in a cage or in a small room, in order to 

 keep it as quiet as possible. We may find more or less stiffness of 

 the joint when the dressing is removed. This can be assisted to a 

 certain extent by means of massage. 



The following dislocations appear more frequently in the dog 

 and require especial mention: 



Dislocation of the Lower Jaw. This is extremely rare, and 

 may occur in some instances where a setter or retriever endeavors 

 to carry a very large bird, opens his mouth, and distends it in 

 such a way that it is dislocated. In some cases this luxation is 

 confined to one side, and in others both articulations are out of 

 joint. The lower jaw projects forward, the incisors project beyond 

 the upper incisors, giving the animal an ''undershot" position, 

 while in a lateral direction the jaw is pushed to one side, the mouth 

 remains wide open, and cannot be closed except with great exer- 

 tion. In many cases, on account of the pressure which is caused 



