The Dog's Medical Dictionary / An encyclopædia of the diseases, their diagnosis & treatment, and the physical development of the dog

by Alfred Joseph Sewell

Fracture of Hock: Sometimes, as the result of being run over, the bones of the hock become broken, and as a consequence a stiff joint results.

Treatment: A similar splint as illustrated, the same that is recommended for fracture of the tibia, should be applied.

Fracture of Tibia: This bone extends from the stifle joint to the hock, and is often broken when a dog is run over across the hind leg.

Treatment: A splint made of thin zinc, as depicted in illustration, is the most suitable for these cases; it must be well padded. When the patient is a big dog, it is advisable to have two splints, one on either side of the leg. They should extend from the foot to the stifle joint or just above.

The illustration shows a joint in the centre of the splint, but this is not absolutely necessary, though it has its advantages. One is, the joint does not become so stiff, as it allows just slight movement.

A splint with a joint for fractures of the back leg

Over the bandage a few strips of Mead’s plaister should always be used to prevent the bandage shifting.

Fracture of Femur (Thigh Bone):

Treatment: Except in cases of fracture of the lower extremity, these cases are difficult to treat, in consequence of the shape of the leg, for one thing; and for another, the limb is so close to the body that a bandage cannot with advantage be put round. Under these circumstances, it is always best in cases of broken thigh, except when it occurs at the lowest extremity—that is, just above the stifle joint—to leave it to Nature, who, as a rule, makes a very good cure, except that the leg as a result may be a little shorter than its fellow. The muscles around the bone are so thick and strong that they take the place of bandages, and keep the bone in its place; whereas when a bandage is applied, it does harm, and as a consequence the bone seldom unites. At the lower extremity it is different; the muscles here are not so thick, and the application of a splint and bandage supports the broken bone. The best form of splint is one similar to the kind recommended for fracture of the tibia, but made to extend nearly to the top of the thigh. To fix this splint in its place, an ordinary bandage should be applied nearly up to the stifle joint, and then above this the splint is to be kept in its place by means of strips of Mead’s plaister, as a simple bandage cannot be kept on the thigh in consequence of its shape and position.