WOUNDS AND INJURIES TO THE SKULL. 
129 
(4.) LOOSENING OF THE HORNS. 
Loss of one or both horns occurs under similar circumstances to 
fracture of the horn core. Sometimes the connection between horn and 
horn core is only loosened. Sometimes the horn, although completely 
divided from the core, can be replaced, but the new horn never attains 
the natural form, and a blemish results. Otherwise, loss of the horn 
scarcely exercises any other visibly injurious effect. Where the horn is 
loosened, its exterior is thoroughly cleansed, and a bandage smeare 
with tar applied. If completely loosened, the horn is removed, and the 
same treatment applied. 
(5.) WOUNDS AND INJURIES TO THE SIvULL. 
Wounds and injuries, unaccompanied by fracture, requite no paiticular 
treatment. Concussion may be produced by severe shocks, and is recog¬ 
nised by deafness, uncontrollable movements, and staggers. Dining 
phrenitis, horses sometimes have their heads injured, and it may be 
difficult to determine whether the brain affection or the injury stood fiist 
in order. In the horse, the skin carrying the forelock is sometimes 
extensively torn by sudden awkward movements of the head against 
fixed objects, and union is often difficult. Where primary union cannot 
be effected, the divided flap contracts, causing a blemish and depreciation 
of value. The injury is very common in pit ponies which work in low 
seams and without some special protective cap. In such cases the flap 
can be entirely removed, as appearances are of little importance, and 
such animals are not troubled by flies. Where a fragment of the 
occipital crest has been detached it should be removed, whether the 
wound be recent or of old standing. Healing is usually easy. 
In the dog pus formation in the temporal muscles is often kept up by 
foreign bodies. From a hunting-dog Moller removed a splinter of wood 
3i inches long, said to have been in position for nine months. _ It had 
caused continually recurring abscess formation. The wounds in cattle 
resulting from pressure of the yoke will be described under the head 
of pressure injuries. 
Prognosis and treatment are simple. Attention must be given to 
concussion of the brain, which is sometimes present. Rest and anti¬ 
phlogistic laxative treatment are indicated. After careful disinfection, 
the edces of the wound are brought together with button sutures, or by 
deep sutures placed at some distance from the margins, and a bandage 
applied When pus formation has set in, retraction of the lappets may 
sometimes be prevented by inserting deep stitches with a thickish thread. 
Where pus formation is seen in the temporal muscles of dogs, examination 
