Pelvis or Hip Bones.—The pelvis is larger, but presents the same general appearance as in the horse.
In studying the bones of the limbs in ruminants, the only point of difference is in bones below the knee. The large metacarpal bone presents a vertical groove down its front, which marks the original division of the bone into two bones. The lower extremity is divided by a deep groove into two articulations, each resembling the single one of the horse. The outer one being always the smaller, a rudimentary metacarpus is placed on the back and outer surface. The pasterns and sesamoids in either limb are double, one set forming each digit; they are small and narrow, the coffin bone resembles half of that of the horse, equally divided.
In the aged ruminant, two bones are commonly found in the heart, and may be termed the cardiac bones. They are found related with auriculo-ventricular rings. In shape they present three angles, three borders, and two surfaces. The left bone is somewhat smaller than the right.
OMNIVORA.
Animals eating both vegetable and animal food.
The omnivora are represented in veterinary anatomy by the hog.
CARNIVORA.
An order, suborder, or family of mammals, especially wild animals, including the dog and cat, etc. Animals that eat flesh.
In this order our description alludes mostly to the dog.