160 PBINOIPLES OF VETEKINABY SUEGEET 



corona and suffraginis, are incurable. Fractures of tlia 

 metacarpus and metatarsus stand a slightly better show. 

 Finally, treatment may be attempted in fractures of the 

 processes of the vertebrae, simple fracture of the os pedis, 

 OS corona, suffraginis, ribs, external angle of the ilium, facial 

 bones. 



4. The variety of fracture is equally important. Com- 

 minuted and complicated fractures and those involving a ' 

 joint or its neighborhood are, as a rule, not treated. Old % 

 fractures aud those where marked displacement of the frag- 

 ments is present are unfavorable, for this reason. Transverse 

 fractures are more favorable than oblique ones. Simple 

 fractures and fissures are more favorable than complete ones. 

 Fractures near joints may lead to an anchylosis and therefore 

 chronic lameness. 



5. The age of the animal is important, for economic 

 reasons aud also because the process of healing is much 

 slower in old than in young animals. 



The prognosis of fractures, especially to the beginner, 

 offers many difficulties. The following examples may be 

 of some service to him : 



1. High-priced carriage horse (gelding), of good age, 

 with fissure fracture of the os suffraginis. It will take from 

 six to twelve weeks to heal the fracture. As the result of 

 bony deposits along the fissure there are good chances for a 

 chronic lameness, which may be relieved by neurectomy 

 provided there are no articular complications. Inform the 

 owner of these points and the approximate expense connected 

 with the treatment of the animal. If you have yet to make 

 a reputation, call on some brother practitioner of established 

 reputation and business integrity to assist you ; then let the 

 owner decide. 



