DISEASES OF BONES 175 



■amless it be simply a fracture of the trochanter, when it is 

 favorable. 



11. Fracture of the tibia. Often the consequence of kicks 

 upon the internal aspect of the limb ; it may foUo-w also 

 a fissured state of the bone, a complete fracture being the 

 result of the lying down and rising or working of the animal. 

 The symptoms of a complicated fracture are most common. 

 Crepitation and abnormal mobility. Fissured fractures are 

 difficult to diagnose ; when there is good reason to suspect 

 one, treat as such. 



12. Fracture of the vertebral column. May follow a 

 previous fissured state or occurs when down and unable to 

 get up, as the result of excessive action of the ileo psoas and 

 .longissimus dorsi (excessive upward curving of the back) or 

 from excessive bending of one side only. As a result of the 

 injury to the spinal cord by the fractured bone, paralysis sets 

 in, the animal is unable to rise and does not react to needle 

 pricks. When happening during an operation, a peculiar 

 crunching sound is heard ; otherwise I have never been able 

 to detect crepitation or abnormal mobility. Prognosis is 

 unfavorable. 



13. Fracture of the ribs. Due to blows of some sort. 

 Those following kicks are often complicated fractures. In- 

 spection may reveal a depression or swelling. Palpation : 

 Pain ; crepitation is rarely detected, but a crackling sensa- 

 tion, due to subcutaneous emphysema, may be observed. 

 Pleurisy, pneumonia, pneumothorax, etc., are likely to follow 

 perforating fractures. Prognosis : In simple fractures, which 

 are often only surmised, it is favorable, and four to six weeks' 

 rest are sufficient ; in complicated fractures it is at times 

 doubtful, and when not followed by death, fistula of the ribs 

 may remain. 



