421 
Translations and Reviews of Continental 
Veterinary Journals, 
By W. Ernes, M.R.C.V.S., London. 
Annales de Medecine Veterinaire , February, I860, 
COMPLETE OBLIQUE FRACTURE OE THE LEET 
METACARPAL BONE IN A HORSE.—CURED. 
By M, Steven aert, M.V. 
The subject of this case was a four-years’-old gelding. 
The fracture extended from the middle of the diaphysis of 
the bone to the superior extremity, and extended into the 
articulation of the knee. Notwithstanding the difficulties 
and danger of the case, which were pointed out to the pro¬ 
prietor, he would not sacrifice the animal, but insisted on a 
trial being made to effect a cure. 
A treviss was constructed, in which the animal was sus¬ 
pended. Under the broken limb an excavation was made, 
which was partially filled with sand. The affected leg was 
bandaged, and a cold lotion continuously employed until the 
next day, when the immoveable pitch bandage of Professor 
Delwart was applied. At the end of four weeks the swelling 
and irritation, caused by the suspension, were so intense that 
it was necessary to remove the animal, who, on being taken 
out of the treviss used his leg tolerably well, which induced 
the bystanders to consider that a callus had formed, but the 
opinion of M. Stevenaert was that this was principally to be 
attributed to the bandage. Fifteen days later the bandage 
had become slightly loose, it was therefore taken off and a 
fresh one applied. The parts were much swollen, painful 
and hot. A slight mobility was perceptible at the middle of 
the fracture ; but little weight was thrown on the leg, and 
that was taken on the outer quarter of the hoof. Violent 
inflammation now set in, to the parts cataplasms were there¬ 
fore applied, which were continued for five days, after which 
another bandage was put on, not, however, made of pitch 
and resin, as none could be had on the spot, but of plaster 
of Paris, this being at. hand. 
This time the articulation of the knee was left free, so 
that the animal was able to lie down and get up with ease. 
In a fortnight after the patient could throw 7 the whole weight 
on the affected leg when he moved the corresponding limb. 
The second bandage was taken off four weeks after it was 
put on. The bone was now found to be solidly set, and all 
that remained w 7 as slight lameness with some swelling of the 
parts. 
