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» caused by the broken bone pressing upon the spinal marrow, is often 
absolute ; ; while in the former case the paralysis is mostly not so severe. In 
broken back, if the animal has not regained his feet, and it is deemed 
advisable to give him a chance of recovery, he must be treated in the 
recumbent position. If he regains his feet, he should be placed in slings... 
When the bones are much displaced, and great irregularity is felt in passing 
the hand down the back, and when paralysis is very marked, récovery is 
mostly. impossible, and it is the kindest course to put the animal out of 
suffering. 
Of the dislocations found in the horse, the two most common are 
dislocation of the patella and of the shoulder. We purpose here only to- 
speak of the former. The patella—the little bone in front of the stifle joint 
of the horse—corresponds with the knee-cap of the human being. Foals, 
more especially) weakly and debilitated animals with lax tissues’ and 
. ligaments, are greatly liable to this injury. Dislocation of the patella may 
be partial or complete. It is an easily recognised injury. In cases of 
complete dislocation, the limb is held stiffly, and is directed backwards. 
The front part of the hoof, moreover, is brought into contact with the 
ground; and the animal walks with great difficulty, the limb being carried 
stiffly and straightly. There will also be lameness when the injury is only 
partial, but this will not be so marked. In partial dislocation, the bone will 
“sometimes pass back into its proper position, when the animal is suddenly 
moved forward. 
The best method of reducing dislocation of the patella is to tie a firm 
rope round the pastern bone of the injured leg. The rope should then be 
pulled forward by one man, while another individual should press upon the 
displaced bone, and endeavour to push it into its proper place. While this 
is being done, it is best to back the animal. Sometimes this method is not 
successful. In this case, chloroform is often administered, with a view of 
causing laxity of those muscles, which are attached to the patella. After the 
reduction of the patella, it is necessary to take steps to make it retain its. 
proper position. With this object, the rope attached round the pastern is 
passed forward round the neck as a collar, or it is attached toacollar. A 
blister may now be applied to the limb, and may be repeated in about a 
week’s time. It is well to be careful at first not to allow too much exercise, 
but to increase it gradually, as the animal is able to bear it. 
