AMPUTATION OF CLAWS 223 



ing of the wound. This window may be formed by 

 placing a pill-box lid over the wound when bandag- 

 ing and applying the cast, afterwards removing it 

 by cutting out the parts above with scissors. The 

 wound must be dressed every day and a dressing 

 applied. 



Fractures of the hip, shoulder, and pelvis are 

 treated in the same way as described under disloca- 

 tions. Limitation of exercise by confinement in a 

 small kennel is the prime factor in the successful 

 treatment of this class of fracture. 



Unfavorable terminations to be feared are: 



1. The limb . may not be straight. This happens 

 if the patient attempts to bear weight on it before 

 the cast is properly hardened, or if the cast is re- 

 moved too soon. 



2. The formation of a false joint, imperfect union 

 only taking place and ossification not complete. 



3. Gangrene, owing to severe injury to the main 

 blood supply or to pressure from too tight a band- 

 age. A fetid smell from the bandaged leg and con- 

 tinual uneasiness and attempts at licking on the part 

 of the patient give rise to' suspicion of this condi- 

 tion and the bandages should at once be removed 

 and the parts treated antiseptically. 



4. Chafing of the tissues, from rubbing on the 

 hard edges of the cast. This may be obviated by 

 proper padding and rolling over the edges of the 

 cast. 



5. Septicemia, in the case of compound fractures. 



Amputation of Claws 



Amputation of claws is often rendered necessary 

 owing to their becoming torn or injured. Where 

 there is no bony attachment they may be simply 

 snipped off with a pair of strong scissors, the result- 

 ing wound being afterwards treated antiseptically. 



