Diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and swineMoussu, G. (Gustave)
Science
Diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and swine
Moussu, G. (Gustave)
Veterinary medicine
(3.) In dealing with fractures of the lower third of the horn in working
oxen, it is necessary to seek consolidation of the horn by callus
formation, so that the animals may again become useful in the yoke. Very
great difficulty accompanies attempts to immobilise the horn in such
cases, since the least shock to the extremity of the horn destroys the
union, on account of the length of the lever represented by the horn
itself.
The first method of treatment consists, after the wound has been
carefully disinfected, in fixing the ends in place by tightly applied
pads, surrounded by splints, curved to fit to the horn. These are
supported by several turns of a spiral bandage.
Were one certain of the cleanliness of the wound and of its perfectly
aseptic condition, it would be better at once to have recourse to a
fixed bandage, strengthened by plaster or silicate of soda.
These bandages are applied longitudinally and should extend a
considerable distance on either side of the fractures. If the horn is
long and thick, it is best to use a fixed dressing of this kind secured
by bandages in the form of a Maltese cross.
All these methods, however, are more or less inconvenient, and the most
practical procedure often consists in removing the horn. Treatment
should only be attempted when the owner specially requests it in order
to render the animal useful for working or show purposes.
Moreover, however strong the dressing, accidents are frequent, for
accidental shocks to the fractured horn interfere with the co-aptation
of parts, and diminish the chance of perfect union. To avoid these
drawbacks, the apparatus shown in Fig. 11 has been invented.
This apparatus consists of a splint, the middle of which fits the back
of the animal’s poll, the sides being gouged out to receive the lower
half of the horn and notched, to enable the fractured horn to be well
supported by bandages.
[Illustration: $1]
(4.) Fractures of the base of the horn are more serious, because a
fragment of the frontal bone is usually torn away with the horn core. As
a rule, the fracture is subcutaneous or without external wound. The horn
is displaced, and swings loosely. On examination, a characteristic
crepitation sound is easily detected. In such fractures hæmorrhage is
subcutaneous and often extends to the frontal sinus, in consequence of
which it is not uncommon for pus to form in the sinus as a complication.
Treatment includes reduction of the fracture, and the application of a
fixed plaster or silicate bandage covering the fronto-occipital and
superior auricular regions.
When a skin wound exists, it is better to remove the horn and bony
fragment, and to apply an antiseptic dressing in order to prevent
infection of the frontal sinus.
EXOSTOSES.
SPAVIN IN THE OX.
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