2. Fractures of the floor of the pelvis, usually extending from the anterior margin of the pubis to the foramen ovale and from the posterior margin of the foramen ovale to the end of the symphysis. They result from obstetrical manipulation, as in forcibly removing a fœtus which is too large, or a monstrosity. As a rule, the animals cannot rise, or if they succeed in doing so, are incapable of moving. Diagnosis is made by exploration through the rectum. Such fractures always necessitate slaughter.
Fractures of the neck of the ilium and of the base of the cotyloid cavity, even in cases of dislocation, are rare despite what has been said to the contrary.
In the fore limb, fractures of the scapula and humerus are usually of traumatic origin, are seldom accompanied by marked displacement, and are capable of uniting if a long rest at grass is allowed. Pitch bandages should be applied to the surface, covering all the surrounding regions, viz. the withers, upper portion of the forearm, girth and chest, to assist in immobilising the region of fracture, and to promote union.
Fractures of the forearm are more difficult to treat, because the bandage applied must extend as far as the hoof. In this case displacement often occurs. It is therefore necessary, firstly, to reduce the fracture, and bring the ends in perfect contact, for which purpose it may be requisite to cast the animal, and give an anæsthetic; and, secondly, to apply a pitch plaster in the form of a shallow gutter, leaving the inner surface of the limb uncovered along a line about two inches wide following the course of the veins of the forearm.
Fractures of the metacarpus and metatarsus usually heal well in all animals of moderate weight, such as heifers, steers, goats or sheep, provided a simple plaster bandage, covering the entire limb or preferably with an opening in the position above indicated, is applied and continued downwards as far as the claws.
In sheep and goats it is sometimes even sufficient to use a splint formed of straw-boards, and in the case of oxen, of wood, applied over a cotton-wool padding and retained in position by straps, or in the case of the heavier animals by dextrine or pitch bandages.
In the hind limb, fractures of the femur are more serious, because the apparatus that can be used to secure immobility is seldom or never effective; excepting in young animals, it is therefore usually better to slaughter.
Fractures of the tibia are treated like those of the forearm when it appears desirable to keep the animals alive.
Plaster bandages can very easily be prepared by saturating tarlatan in a mixture of equal parts of thoroughly dry plaster and water. Six to ten thicknesses of tarlatan, arranged alternately longitudinally and transversely, are sufficient. When adjusted they can be kept in position until the plaster has hardened by means of dry bandages applied from below upwards, which can be removed after a lapse of half an hour to an hour.