SECTION VI 



SURGERY OF THE LEGS AND TAIL 

 Sprains 



SPRAINS of the muscles and articulations are 

 commonly the result of injury sustained by fall- 

 ing from a height, sudden turns, and injuries met 

 with while jumping. The symptoms are pain, heat 

 and swelling of the part affected, and complete or 

 partial loss of function. 



Treatment consists of enforced rest and, where 

 possible, of immobilization of the injured member. 

 To subdue the acute inflammatory condition, cold 

 applications should be applied and frequently re- 

 peated; later hot fomentations and gentle massage 

 should take the place of the cold packs and a mild 

 liniment gently rubbed in or the parts painted with 

 tincture of iodin. 



Dislocations 



Dislocations occur as the result of violent wrench- 

 ing 'of a joint and are generally sustained while run- 

 ning, jumping, or falling from a height. The symp- 

 toms are swelling at the joint, shortening of the 

 limb, and imperfect movement attended with great 

 pain. The most common dislocations met with are 

 those of the shoulder, elbow, stifle, and toe joints. 



Since dislocations, wherever situated, can always 

 be diagnosed by palpation and manipulation, and 

 confirmed by the X-ray if necessary, only the prin- 

 ciples of treatment will be given here and no space 

 taken up with a consideration of any possible con- 

 dition. 



Treatment should be adopted as soon as possible 



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