176 PEINCrPLES OP YETERINAEY SUEGEBY 



14. Fracture of the inferior maxilla. Of doubtful prog- 

 nosis are transverse fractures of the branches of the bone, 

 mainly characterized by more or less crepitation, abnormal 

 mobility, swelling, disturbed mastication. Fractures through 

 the union of the branches at their inferior extremity usually 

 heal in one month. 



Describe the most important fractures in the dog, 



1. Fracture of the scapula. Follows falls and being run 

 over. Parts most frequently involved are the neck and 

 coracoid process. Prognosis is favorable. 



2. Fracture of the humerus. Usually involves lower 

 third of bone. The prognosis of subcutaneous fractures is 

 usually a favorable one. The plaster of paris bandage, in this 

 as well as in fracture of the scapula, should be run around 

 the chest and over the back like a saddle to prevent slipping 

 and to immobilize the parts properly. 



3. Fracture of the radius and ulna. In most cases both 

 bones fracture at the same time and mostly at the lower 

 third. In solitary fractures of the ulna the olecranon is 

 usually the part that breaks. Unless the fracture is badly 

 complicated, the prognosis is favorable. While not abso- 

 lutely necessary, I prefer to saddle the back with the plaster 

 of paris bandage in these cases. 



4. Fracture of the carpus is usually a simple one and has 

 a favorable prognosis. 



5. Fracture of the metacarpal bones occurs usually at the 

 middle or lower third. Unless seriously complicated, they 

 have a favorable prognosis. 



6. Fracture of the phalanges. These are usually com- 

 plicated, being mostly the result of the animal being run over. 

 Prognosis even here is good, as the smashed toe is easily re- 

 amputated, not interfering with the animal's usefulness. 



