great value. For small animals the preference is for an external
covering of gutta-percha, embracing the entire leg. A sheet of this
substance of suitable thickness, according to the size of the animal,
softened in lukewarm water, is, when sufficiently pliable, molded on the
outside of the leg, and when suddenly hardened by the application of
cold water forms a complete casing sufficiently rigid to resist all
motion. Patients treated in this manner have been able to use the limb
freely, without pain, immediately after the application of the dressing.
The removal of the splint is easily effected by cutting it away, either
wholly or in sections, after softening it by immersing the leg in a warm
bath.

FRACTURE OF THE KNEE.

This accident, happily, is of rare occurrence, but when it takes place
is of a severe character, and always accompanied with synovitis, with
disease of the joint.

_Cause._--It may be caused by falling upon a hard surface, and is
usually compound and comminuted. Healing seldom occurs, and when it does
there is usually a stiffness of the joint from arthritis.

_Symptoms._--As a result of this fracture there is inability to bear
weight on the foot. The leg is flexed as in complete radial paralysis,
or fracture of the ulna. There is abnormal mobility of the bones of the
knee, but crepitation is usually absent.

_Prognosis._--Healing is hard to effect, as one part of the knee is
drawn upward by the two flexor muscles which separate it from the lower
part. The callus which forms is largely fibrous, and if the animal is
put to work too quickly this callus is liable to rupture. In favorable
cases healing takes place in two or three months. Many horses during the
treatment develop founder, with consequent drop sole in the sound leg,
as a result of pressure due to continuous standing.

_Treatment._--Place the animal in the slings, bring the pieces of bone
together if possible, and try to keep them in place by a tight
plaster-of-Paris dressing about the leg, extending down to the fetlock.
Place the animal in a roomy box stall well provided with bedding so that
he can lie down, to prevent founder.

FRACTURE OF THE FEMUR.

The protection which this bone receives from the large mass of muscles
in which it is enveloped does not suffice to invest it with immunity in
regard to fractures.

_Cause._--It contributes its share to the list of accidents of this
description, sometimes in consequence of extern