PART III. 
ANATOMY, DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF 
CATTLE. 
CHAPTER I. 
ANATOMY OF THE OX. 
I. — The Skeleton. 
EACH bone and joint in the skeleton of the ox receives 
the same name as the corresponding bone and joint 
in that of the horse. There are, however, a few 
important points of difference that it may be well to note. 
(a) The ox has thirteen, but the horse eighteen pairs of 
ribs. 
(b) The breast bone or sternum of the ox is much larger 
and flatter than that of the horse. This is important as it 
accounts for the fact that a cow suffering with lung disease 
usually lies down, while under similar conditions the horse 
remains standing. The peculiar formation of the breast bones 
and ribs eases the ox in a lying position, but on the other 
hand contracts the chest of a horse, giving rise to more 
severe pain than when standing. 
(c) The bones of the head of the ox are heavier, wider 
and possessed of a projection — the core of the horn — on the 
upper part of the skull. Note this when dehorning. The 
core is hollow, being a continuation of the sinuses or cavities 
in the bones of the head. The horn is attached to and covers 
the core. 
(d) Two small bones — the cardiac or heart bones — -are 
situated in the heart of the ox. No such bones are found in 
the heart of the horse. 
(e) The bones of the leg of the ox are divided from fet- 
lock down, into two parts, while in the horse they are not 
divided. 
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