FRACTURES OF THE HORN CORE. 
127 
be endangered, as in fracture of the orbital process of the malar bone, 
either on account of dislocated fragments or extravasated blood pressing 
on the bulbus and producing exophthalmos. Swelling of the orbit may, 
moreover, extend to the optic nerve, and through its atrophy produce 
blindness. Sometimes the lower jaw is also endangered. 
The guides to diagnosis are the displacement of the fractured process, 
Fig. 66.—Splint for fracture of horn core. 
the position and extent of the swelling, and the appearance of the con¬ 
nective tissue of the eye, but where there is much swelling diagnosis may 
be doubtful. 
Treatment. Subcutaneous fractures of the orbital process, without 
marked dislocation, only require cold applications to minimise bleeding, 
and consequent danger to the eye. The animal should receive no food 
Fig. 67. —Form of above splint. 
during the first twenty-four hours, for masticatory movements aie not only 
painful but produce bleeding. Complete resection of the orbital piocess 
is not difficult, and in cases of compound fracture may become necessary. 
Any considerable displacement should be rectified, if needful, with the 
help of the bone elevator. Hendrickx recommends trephining. Anti¬ 
septic measures must be adopted from the outset, non-initant fluids 
being selected. A bandage is then applied. 
Fractures of the horn core are not uncommon in luminants. The} 
are recognised by the animal’s resistance to manipulation of the parts, 
