128 
FRACTURE OF THE FRONTAL RONE. 
by abnormal mobility of the horn, and swelling, or even crepitation. 
Where blood has entered the frontal sinus there is often blood-stained or 
(in cases of longer standing) purulent discharge from the nose; in 
empyema of the frontal sinus the head is often held lower on the 
affected side. 
The course is generally favourable; union goes on regularly in 
subcutaneous and often in complicated cases, especially if antiseptic 
treatment is early applied. In neglected and bad cases it is often 
advisable to remove the horn core entirely. In cows grave consequences 
are sometimes observed- Textor describes the occurrence of epileptiform 
seizures, which, however, disappeared when the sanguineo-purulent con¬ 
tents of the frontal sinus had been removed by trephining. After such 
fracture, a bull was unable to cover cows ; erections occurred, but the 
animal, when attempting to spring, fell towards the diseased side, and 
was useless for stud purposes. In compound fractures pus formation 
may involve the brain, and bring about death from meningitis. 
Treatment in subcutaneous fractures requires fixation of the horn core, 
which may be effected by a suitable splint passed over both horns, and 
secured by bandages (fig. 67). Skin injuries must be previously dis¬ 
infected. The animal is tied up so that the horn cannot be displaced. 
When the horn is but slightly loosened it is often sufficient to pass a 
bandage in a figure of eight tightly round both horns. Oblique fractures 
are often sufficiently kept in place by the horn itself, and the application 
of a tar bandage is quite sufficient. Where the core is so completely 
separated that union is not probable, it should be removed with the saw, 
and a dressing applied. 
Fractures of those portions of the temporal bone which cover the brain 
are often attended with dislocation of bone and injury to the mucous 
membrane of the frontal sinus, and are indicated by swelling, depression 
on the forehead, a nasal discharge, at first blood-stained, and later 
purulent. These fractures, although usually healing without disturbance, 
are sometimes followed by chronic purulent disease of the frontal sinus. 
When the fracture remains subcutaneous, and no blood is discharged 
from the nose, recovery occurs without trouble. 
Compound fractures are treated antiseptically; any cutaneous injury 
requires complete asepsis; where the mucous membrane of the frontal 
sinus is injured, as indicated by blood-stained discharge, complete 
asepsis is more difficult. But even here healing may be effected, and 
often before this is complete the animals may be returned to work. 
Severe dislocation inwardly may be remedied by the use of the bone 
elevator, or by trephining; the latter used, however, only when nasal 
discharge continues after union of the fracture. Other symptoms are 
treated according to general principles. 
