Treatment.—­When a case is found to be uncomplicated, that is, if the fracture is such that recovery seems possible and after having determined that treatment may be practicable, the first consideration is that of confining the subject in suitable slings.  In many cases of pelvic fracture, the affected animal will need to be kept in slings from six weeks to three months, and it becomes a difficult problem to minimize the distress during this long period of confinement in the peculiar manner required for favorable outcome.

The pattern of sling employed should be the best that is obtainable and the matter of its adjustment is quite important lest unnecessary chafing or even necrosis of skin result.  Frequent readjustment may be necessary, and time is well spent in this manner since this contributes materially toward a favorable termination by encouraging the subject to remain quiet so that coaptation of the broken bones may be maintained.  Aside from slings, mechanical appliances that are helpful in the treatment of these cases are not yet in use.

A regimen that is nutritive and at the same time laxative is essential and in some cases cathartics and enemata are necessary.  Also, during the first few days, if there is retention of urine, catheterization is imperative.  In a word, the handling of such cases consists largely in keeping the subject inactive, as comfortable as possible, and giving attention to suitable diet.

Simple fracture of the external iliac angle needs no particular attention, except that the subject is kept quiet until lameness subsides.  In all cases where much of the bone is broken, the animal is blemished, but interference with function does not follow.  If infection results because of a compound fracture, loose pieces of bone must be removed surgically and drainage provided for.

In fracture of the ischial tuberosity, infection is more apt to result than in like injury of the ilium, and greater displacement of bone occurs.  This displacement, due to contraction of the attached muscles, is in some instances a contributing cause to the infection which often follows in these cases.  In females where the body of the ischium is fractured, lacerations of the vagina may be present, and this constitutes a serious complication which usually terminates fatally.

After-care in fracture of the pelvic girdle consists principally in allowing a protracted period of rest before subjects are put to work.

Fractures of the Femur.

Etiology and Occurrence.—­This is a comparatively rare injury in the horse because of the protection afforded the femur by the heavy musculature.  Fragilitas of the bone probably exists in many cases when fracture of its diaphysis occurs.  It is generally conceded that the neck of the femur is rarely broken because of a lack of constriction in this part, but fracture of the trochanters has been recorded rather frequently.  However, Lienaux and Zwanenpoete[38]