FRACTURE OF THE OSSA INNOMINATA, &c. 537 
surprised to see very considerable improvement. She had eaten 
a bran mash, and drunk plentifully of the alum and water ; the 
pulse was 78, and easily numbered at the jaw ; but, on examining 
over her wounds, I was surprised when I came to the posterior 
parts to see a tumour as large as a pumpkin, and quite soft. This 
I concluded contained blood, and I waited for the healing of the 
internal vessels before I ventured to open it. The organs of ge- 
neration were much swollen, embracing the perineum as low down 
as the udder : the other contused parts were also much inflamed, 
and the mare was as stiff as a post, as might naturally be expect- 
ed. I ordered the fomentations to be continued, and a lotion of 
the acetate of lead and vinegar, diluted with cold water, to be 
applied to her loins; water of alumina to drink, and a diet of 
bran and green food, with a strict regard to perfect quietude. 
2 6th . — Pulse 63, physic operating ; appetite a little improved ; 
and, with the exception of the bloody tumour and a slight co- 
louring of the urine, the mare looked lively, and was doing well. 
The tumour was as large as ever, and the owner desired me to 
open it, as he was sure it contained pus : I remonstrated with 
him, and informed him of the probable consequence of punctur- 
ing it, and wished it to remain for a few days, when there would 
be little danger. He was very loth to give his consent ; but at 
length I did prevail. I ordered fomentations to the contused 
parts, and the water of alumina to be continued, and diet as 
before. 
2 7th . — All going on well, physic set, and appetite improving. 
For the first time we ventured to move the mare round her box : 
it was with the greatest difficulty she could be stirred, and she 
trailed her off hind leg very much. When she was in the act of 
turning, I heard a noise as if there were some fracture. On 
further examination I was convinced that the os innominatum 
was fractured ; for after moving the limb in several directions 
without much pain, and then raising it in a perpendicular direc- 
tion, having previously introduced my hand per anum, and re- 
taining it there, and using a little pressure at the time the limb 
was raised, I could distinctly feel the divided ends of the bone 
move on each other. At that time the mare nearly fell down 
from pain : the fracture appeared to be about two inches pos- 
terior to the articulation of the -femur with the pelvis, and the 
cartilago-ligamentous substance at the symphysis pubis seemed 
to be torn asunder. I ordered fomentations as usual, the alum- 
water to be omitted, and a little bruised oats to be mixed with 
her bran, — to be kept as quiet as possible, intending on the next 
day to open the tumour. 
28 th. — Pulse 48 ; feeding very well: bowels a little constipated ; 
