vertebra;
those of the bones of the face; those of the ilium; and that of the
coffinbones. To continue the category, the following are evidently
curable when their position and the character of the patient contribute
to aid the treatment: Those of the cranium, in the absence of cerebral
lesions; those of the jaws; of the ribs, with displacement; of the hip;
and those of the bones of the leg in movable regions, but where their
vertical position admits of perfect coaptation.

On the contrary, a compound, complicated, or comminuted, fracture, in
whatever region it may be situated, may be counted incurable.

In treating fractures time is an important element and "delays are
dangerous." Those of recent occurrence unite more easily and more
regularly than older ones.

(2) As a general rule, fractures are less serious in animals of the
smaller species than in those of more bulky dimensions. This influence
of species will be readily appreciated when we realize that the
difficulties involved in the treatment of the latter class have hardly
any existence in connection with the former. The difference in weight
and size, and consequent facility in handling and making the necessary
applications of dressings and other appliances for the purpose of
securing the indispensable immobility of the parts, and usually a less
degree of uneasiness in the deportment of the patients are
considerations in this connection of great weight.

(3) In respect to the utilization of the animal, the most obvious point
in estimating the gravity of the case in a fracture accident is the
certainty of the total loss of the services of the patient during
treatment--certainly for a considerable period of time; perhaps
permanently. For example, the fracture of the jaw of a steer just
fattening for the shambles will involve a heavier loss than a similar
accident to a horse. Usually the fracture of the bones of the
extremities in a horse is a very serious casualty, the more so
proportionately as the higher region of the limb is affected. In working
animals it is exceedingly difficult to treat a fracture in such manner
as to restore a limb to its original perfection of movement. A fracture
of a single bone of an extremity in a breeding stallion or mare will not
necessarily impair the value of the animal as a breeder. Other
specifications under this head, though pertinent and more or less
interesting, may be omitted.

(4) Age and temper are important factors