3. Comminuted fracture is one in which a broken bone is badly shattered.
4. Complicated fracture is one in which important articular joints and large arteries are injured.
Some people imagine that the bones of the dog will not unite as quickly as the bones of man, but I am of the opinion that they will unite quicker if the bones are properly placed and the animal kept quiet. I will admit that fractures are somewhat troublesome to treat in some cases, although I have seen dogs with severe fractures make good recoveries without any assistance other than that of nature. In treating a fracture where the bones penetrate the skin, cut the hair from around the surface and wash with a five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid. Place the broken bones in position, wrap the surface with a thin layer of cotton and retain the bones in position with splints and bandages. Keep the animal as quiet as possible and feed on soft laxative good. If bowels become constipated, give two to four ounces of Castor Oil. If severe swelling follows in a few days, and the dog shows signs of great pain, remove the bandage and wash clean with an antiseptic. Then place fresh cotton around the part and bandage the same as before.
GOITER
(Bronchocele)
Cause.—Generally associated with a debilitated condition of a heavy pregnant bitch that is poorly fed, and exposed to various temperatures. The offspring of such a bitch are very often victims of Goiter. When the puppies are born the mother’s milk lacks sufficient nitrogenous properties; they are consequently deprived of mineral matter and develop Goiter. Some writers hold that this is hereditary, because one or more puppies become affected at the same time. I believe that it is due to debility, starvation, and what produces it in one dog will produce it in another. Although full-grown dogs are often victims of Goiters, it is due to some debilitated condition drawing on their systems. Even though the dog looks well, and appears to be in good condition, his food may be deficient in mineral properties.
Symptoms.—Enlargement of the Thyroid bodies of the ductless gland situated on the under surface of the neck. It may vary from the size of a pigeon’s egg to the size of a man’s two fists. It is very easily detected, and does not often interfere with the animal’s breathing unless it becomes abnormally large and causes pressure on the windpipe, jugular vein and esophagus. A dog affected with Goiter does not thrive, his hair looks faded, dusty and rough.
Treatment.—Administer Adrenolin twice daily in five to ten grain doses half an hour before feeding, and two to five grains of Potassium Iodide two times daily shortly after feeding. The Potassium Iodide should be discontinued when the skin scales, or when an abnormal watery discharge from the eyes is present. To the enlargement apply Tincture of Iodine once a day with a camelhair brush. If the dog has long hair, clip it off from over the enlargement. Feed the dog on nitrogenous foods, as raw eggs, Cod Liver Oil, Beef Broth, and also supply him with soft bones to chew. Where the bowels are constipated, give one to two ounces of Castor Oil. The above medicines prescribed are prescribed for dogs weighing forty pounds, and should be increased when given to larger, or decreased when given to smaller dogs proportionately to their weight. See that the dog has clean, light and well ventilated quarters to sleep in.
INDIGESTION
(Dyspepsia)
Cause.—Intestinal worms, indigestible and unnutritious food, foreign bodies in the stomach, eating too large a quantity or, in many cases, eating too fast, torpidity of the liver, derangements of the teeth, as the accumulations of tartar cause the gums to become soft and sore, resulting in the dog not taking sufficient time to chew food properly; excessive or inexcessive exercise, or improper attention to the hygienic surroundings often derange the digestive system.