482 
LUXATION OF THE SYMPHYSIS OSSIUM PUBIS. 
but double-sided dislocations take much longer, and many never reunite. 
Paraplegia generally sets in on the second or third day. The patient is 
unable to stand, and if parturient, will require active assistance, because 
labour pains are generally weak. Not infrequently fatal peritonitis 
occurs. 
According to Stockfleth, complete luxation is less to be feared, for the 
animals sometimes recover sufficiently to be useful for dairy purposes, 
even though, on account of the narrowness of the pelvis, they cannot 
be bred from. With sufficient rest the bony union is replaced by a 
fibrous joint, which enables the animal to walk well enough for grazing 
purposes. 
Treatment is essentially similar in both conditions. In incomplete 
luxation, rest is above all else necessary. A good bed must be provided, 
and any open drains covered up to prevent the animal stepping into 
them and producing further injury. Where there is difficulty in rising, 
assistance must be afforded, but the tail should never be used for this 
purpose ; assistance is also required during parturition. 
Complete luxation also calls for a lengthened rest, and cases always 
do best if the animals lie continuously. Plenty of straw should be given, 
and help only afforded if the animal attempts to rise. The patient must 
not be driven for at least two to three months, nor again used for 
breeding. Complications often occur during recovery, and carry off the 
animals. 
YI.—LUXATION OF THE SYMPHYSIS OSSIUM PUBIS. 
This disease, almost invariably confined to cattle, is still rarer than the last 
named. The luxation most commonly appears during or as a sequel to 
parturition. Golis saw it in connection with luxation of the sacrum. 
An eight year old cow, nearly at full term, suddenly became lame during 
work, and a few hours afterwards could neither rise nor, when lifted, stand on 
her hind legs. On attempting to move, the inner angle of the ilium on the 
affected side rose and sank. Displacement of the os pubis and os ischii at 
the symphysis pubis could also be felt. The cow was slaughtered, and the 
post-mortem showed luxation of the sacrum and separation of the bones 
forming the symphysis pubis. 
Prietsch saw a similar accident in a two year old heifer, which slipped with 
her hind legs on a smooth pavement. The anima was unable to rise, and on 
post-mortem the symphysis pubis was found separated throughout its entire 
length. 
In horses, the symphysis pubis becomes completely ossified, and therefore 
in them fracture is commoner than separation. 
The diagnosis becomes absolute on examination per anum. The in¬ 
curability of the disease renders immediate slaughter advisable. 
