528 
FRACTURE OF THE RADIUS. 
down, which in horses of little value is most easily effected by fastening 
them up short, in others by slinging them. In carnivora a plaster 
bandage assists recovery, but is somewhat difficult to apply. To ensure 
its remaining in place the bandage should be passed over the back and 
between the fore legs, reversing the direction alternately. (For infor¬ 
mation on Bandaging and Dressing, see Dollar’s “ Operative Techniciue,” 
p. 177.) 
II.—FRACTURE OF THE RADIUS. 
In the horse, fracture of the radius is not usually accompanied by 
fracture of the ulna. In other animals it is sometimes seen with, 
sometimes without, fracture of the ulna. In dogs the fore arm is most 
frequently fractured by the. animals being run over, or being squeezed 
or kicked ; in larger animals, it results from kicks, falls, and slipping 
whilst getting up, &c. Freer, in a horse, saw Assuring of the radius which, 
a fortnight later, was succeeded by fracture. 
In ruminants and carnivora, diagnosis is only difficult when the ulna 
remains intact, and crepitation is absent. Careful examination, how¬ 
ever, shows abnormal mobility, crepitation, swelling, and pain. Not 
infrequently the broken ends perforate the soft tissues and produce a 
compound fracture. 
Prognosis and course. Subcutaneous fractures of the radius with 
intact ulna unite, in carnivora and ruminants, in three to six weeks. 
Should the ulna be simultaneously fractured, proper treatment may be 
succeeded by recovery in four to eight weeks ; and although in rumi- 
mants and swine repair is more difficult, it is by no means impossible. 
In horses, however, complete fracture of the radius must be viewed as 
relatively incurable, particularly when near the epiphysis; in the 
diaphysis, recovery may occur if the animal can be kept perfectly quiet, 
and if able to stand long enough on the other leg. 
An English thoroughbred mare with transverse fracture of the radius 
and rupture of the carpal ligaments recovered sufficiently for breeding 
purposes. 
Compound fractures of the radius in the horse must be viewed as 
incurable, though in small animals they are rather more hopeful. 
Treatment. Deduction is effected according to the general principles 
already laid down, and succeeds best under anaesthesia. Before applying 
the plastei bandage, the operator must make sure that the leg occupies 
its normal position, and is neither in a condition of supination nor of 
pronation. The position of the other leg should guide the dresser. In 
carnivora, the plaster bandage is applied directly to the skin, and includes 
both the elbow- and knee- joints. In larger animals it must reach at 
least to the knee, to prevent its sliding down for want of a fixed point. 
