nds
in degree to that of the violence to which it is due, also to the
resulting complications and the situation of the wound. It is simple
when at the symphysis, but becomes more serious when it affects one of
the branches, and most aggravated when both are involved. Fracture of
the coronoid process becomes important principally as an evidence of the
existence of a morbid diathesis, such as osteoporosis, or the like.

The particular seat of the injury, with its special features, will, of
course, determine the treatment. For a simple fracture, without
displacement, provided there is no laceration of the periosteum, an
ordinary supporting bandage will usually be sufficient, but when there
is displacement the reduction of the fracture must first be
accomplished, and for this special splints are necessary. In a fracture
of the symphysis or of the branches the adjustment of the fragments by
securing them with metallic sutures is the first step necessary, to be
followed by the application of supports, consisting of splints of
leather or sheets of metal, the entire front of the head being then
covered with bandages prepared with adhesive mixtures. During the entire
course of treatment a special method of feeding becomes necessary. The
inability of the patient to appreciate the situation, of course,
necessitates a resort to an artificial mode of introducing the necessary
feed into his stomach; this is accomplished by forcing between the
commissures of the lips, in a liquid form, by means of a syringe, the
milk or nutritive gruels selected for his sustenance until the
consolidation is sufficiently advanced to permit the ingestion of feed
of a more solid consistency. The callus will usually be sufficiently
hardened in two or three weeks to allow of a change of diet to mashes of
cut hay and scalded grain, until the removal of the dressing restores
the animal to its old habit of mastication.

FRACTURES OF VERTEBRAE.

These are not very common, but when they do occur the bones most
frequently injured are those of the back and loins.

_Causes._--The ordinary causes of fracture are responsible here as
elsewhere, such as heavy blows on the spinal column, severe falls while
conveying heavy loads, and especially violent efforts in resisting the
process of casting. Although occurring more or less frequently under the
latter circumstances, the accident is not always attributable to
carelessness or error in the management. It may, of