As inflammation abates, which it does in the course of from one to three weeks in uncomplicated cases, the subject may be allowed the freedom of a comfortable box stall.  Vesication of the parts is in order, and this may be repeated in the course of two weeks, if it is deemed necessary.

Penetrative wounds resulting in open joint are not treated with success as a rule, and because of the handicap under which veterinarians labor, methods of handling such cases, where large, important articulations are affected, are not being rapidly improved.  Prognosis is usually unfavorable, and for humane and economic reasons, animals so affected should be destroyed.

Ordinary wounds of the region of the elbow are treated along general lines usually employed.  They merit no special consideration, except that it may be mentioned that with such injuries concomitant contusion of the parts occasions injury that does not recover quickly.

Fracture of the Ulna.

Etiology and Occurrence.—­Fractures of the ulna in the horse are not common in spite of the exposed position of the olecranon.  This bone when broken, is usually fractured by heavy blows and any form of ulnar fracture is serious because of its function and position in relation to the joint capsule.  Transverse fractures do not readily unite because of the tension of the triceps muscles, which prevent close approximation of the broken ends of the bone.

Thompson[16], however, reports a case of transverse simple fracture of the ulna in a mare, the result of a kick, in which complete recovery took place.  He kept the subject in a sling for six weeks and then allowed six months rest.

Symptomatology.—­The position assumed by a horse suffering from a transverse fracture of the ulna, is similar to that in radial paralysis.  Crepitation may be detected by manipulating the parts, and in some instances of fracture of the olecranon, there occurs marked displacement of the broken portions of the bone.  Lameness is intense and the parts are swollen and supersensitive.  The capsular ligament of the elbow joint is usually involved in the injury because fracture of the ulna may directly extend within the capsular ligament.  In such cases, there is synovitis, and later arthritis causes a fatal termination.

Treatment.—­The impossibility of applying a bandage in any way to practically immobilize these parts in fracture of the ulna, prevents our employing bandages and splints.  Therefore, one can do little else than to put the patient in a sling and try to keep it quiet and as nearly comfortable as circumstances allow.

Fracture of the Radius.

Etiology and Occurrence.—­From heavy blows received such as kicks, collision with trees or in falls in runaway accidents, the radius is occasionally fractured.  In very young foals, fracture of the radius, as well as of the tibia and other bones, results from their being trampled upon by the mother.