CHAPTER V. 
FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS. 
INASMUCH as there is often great difficulty in treating fractures of the bones. 
of the horse, owing to the fact that absolute rest is not easily maintained, we 
shall not enter into a very elaborate discussion of this subject. A fracture is 
spoken of as simple, when the bone is broken at one spot only, and when 
there is no external wound, extending down to the seat of injury. When 
such an external wound exists, the fracture is termed compound, and when 
the bone is broken in several parts, it is termed comminuted. When a bone 
of a limb is broken, lameness necessarily results. The animal often manifests. 
great pain, and displacement of the parts is often noticeable. If the broken 
ends are rubbed together, a grating sound may often be heard. In some 
instances, there is no distortion of the normal relationship of the tissues. 
We purpose to say firstly a few words regarding the general treatment of 
fractures, and then to describe some of the more common forms in detail. 
Compound and comminuted fractures are always difficult to treat, far more 
so than simple ones. 
In the treatment of a fracture, absolute rest is the first essential; and, in 
order to secure this, slinging will in many instances be indispensable. When 
the fracture is compound, it will be necessary to treat the wound as well as 
the fracture by the application of some antiseptic lotion, as for instance of 
‘ carbolic acid, water, and glycerine; and, moreover, all detached fragments 
of bone should be carefully removed. The question of the advisability of 
‘treating a fractured bone in a horse is often a pecuniary one. The requisite 
food, rest, and attendance, skilled and manual, are serious items of expense ; 
and moreover the chance of failure, owing to the difficulty of maintaining the 
_ broken ends in close apposition, is a point for due consideration. The broken 
ends of a bone are brought together, and secured thus, by means of splints. 
made of gutta percha or leather. Sometimes, bandages moistened with hot 
water, and then covered with plaster of Paris, are employed. The plaster’ 
sets firmly, and the fractured bone is thus rendered firm and secure. ; 
Sonietimes what is spoken of as a charge proves very valuable in 
maintaining the broken bone at rest. By a charge we understand a cotton 
bandage about four or five inches in breadth, on which is placed some 
material which sets hard. Such a preparation may be made of equal parts 
of ordinary pitch and Burgundy pitch. This method of treatment is to be 
y 
