Diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and swineMoussu, G. (Gustave)
Science
Diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and swine
Moussu, G. (Gustave)
Veterinary medicine
=Causation.= Violent mechanical shocks transverse to the upper third of
the arm may, by sheer force, displace the head of the humerus in an
inward direction, causing rupture of the internal wall of the capsular
ligament and of the subscapularis muscle. Jumping from high to low
ground and falling on the front limbs tend to displace the glenoid
cavity in front of the head of the humerus, and often result in luxation
of the bone in a backward direction, a luxation, however, which almost
always assumes a postero-internal direction. The commonest causes of
these luxations are the sideward falls of animals which have attempted
to cover others. Whether the subject be a bull or a cow, if the
stationary animal suddenly moves to one side, or if the moving animal is
frightened by the appearance of a dog, one of the front limbs may be
violently dragged away from the body; the resistance of the capsular
ligament and internal muscles of the shoulder may be overcome and
luxation produced.
=Symptoms.= Symptoms are immediately apparent: no weight can be placed
on the injured limb, and the animal moves on three legs. All muscular
action is avoided, the limb is slightly shortened as a consequence of
the head of the humerus slipping behind the shoulder, which is held
rigidly during movement; the points of the claws are dragged along the
ground.
On local examination the point of the shoulder appears to be deformed
and outwardly displaced, in consequence of the pressure exercised by the
displaced head of the humerus. Below the glenoid cavity and coracoid
process lies a depression, at the base of which the displaced humerus
can be felt. This depression, however, is soon filled up by the
sero-sanguinolent effusion consequent on luxation.
=Diagnosis.= Bearing in mind the conditions to which the accident is
due, the diagnosis presents no great difficulty.
=Prognosis.= The prognosis is grave, for although it is relatively easy
to reduce the displacement, it is very difficult to keep the joint fixed
in position.
=Treatment.= To effect reduction, the animal should be cast on the sound
side, and a loop of webbing passed under the arm, in order to provide
for counter-extension. The limb is extended by direct traction on the
cannon bone or fetlock, whilst the operator endeavours to effect
reduction with one hand placed in front and one behind the joint.
In young animals of trifling weight immobilisation may be attempted, the
best method being the application of pitch plasters. If, on the other
hand, the subject is heavy, there is so great a chance of displacement
when lying down and rising, that such cases are usually sent to the
butcher, or abandoned to chance. Relative recovery, sufficient to permit
of growth or fattening, may take place without professional assistance.
IV.—HYGROMAS.
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