The Osseous System 337 



subsequent removal. The leg should be further secured with 

 splints, the joint being kept fully extended. 



Treatment of other fractures of these bones is on the general 

 principles already described. In young dogs imperfect reunion of 

 separated epiphyses is occasionally seen. Such cases are treated 

 by refracture, which is usually easily accomplished manually. 



The Carpus. The carpal bones are rarely fractured. 



The Metacarpal Bones. These bones are quite commonly the 

 seat of fracture, especially in their upper or middle third, and one 

 or all the bones may be involved. Fracture of a single bone, not 

 being sufficient to cause a deviation of the parts from normal posi- 

 tion, the local swelling may at first sight suggest nothing worse than 

 simple contusion, consequently injuries in this region should always 

 be carefully examined before a diagnosis is given. 



Treatment. The necessity of treatment will depend on the ex- 

 tent of the fracture. 



The Digital Bones. These usually sustain compound fractures 

 from the foot being caught in doors, run over, or trodden on by 

 horses. The broken extremities can be seen and felt through the 

 external wound. 



Treatment. In the treatment of these cases all splinters must 

 be removed, and it is sometimes necessary to resort to amputation. 



The Pelvis. The pelvis may be fractured in any or all por- 

 tions. Fractures of this bone are often comminuted and compli- 

 cated with damage to the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, and have their 

 seat mostly in the external angle of the ilium, in the acetabulum, 

 or at the symphysis. They are often bilateral. An occasional com- 

 plication is rupture of the urethra. Rectal or vaginal palpation is 

 often of assistance in arriving at a correct conclusion. The prog- 

 nosis is doubtful, permanent lameness often remaining, though 

 simple fractures will sometimes make a good recovery provided the 

 animal is restrained in its movements. In brood-females this acci- 

 dent is particularly dangerous owing to resultant constriction of 

 the pelvic apertures which may necessitate delivery of the young 

 by Cesarean section. Hertwig believed that fracture was the most 

 common cause of pelvic deformity though rachitic conditions might 

 produce distortion in some instances. F. Mueller witnessed a case 

 in which the passage was so narrow that it would scarcely admit 

 of introduction of the finger. 



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