DISEASES OF THE HIND LIMB


FRACTURE OF THE ILEUM, "Hipped."--Fracture of the angle and neck of the
ileum may be classed among the common fractures in horses and cattle.
Fractures involving other parts of the pelvic bones are less common. Such
fractures are due to accidental causes, as striking the point of the haunch
on the door frame when hurrying through a narrow doorway and falling on
frozen ground.

Fractures of the _external angle_ of the ileum or point of haunch are
usually followed by displacement of the fractured portion. The same is true
of fractures of the _neck of the ileum_. The result is a deformity of the
quarter.

In making an _examination_ of these parts the examiner should see that the
horse is standing squarely on its feet, and then compare the conformation
of the two quarters. Fractures of either the external angle or the neck of
the ileum cause the quarter to appear narrow and low. A close examination
may enable the examiner to differentiate between the two fractures.
Fractures of the neck of the ileum can be recognized by manipulating the
part through the walls of the rectum or vagina.

The degree of lameness may vary. In some cases there may be no lameness
when the animal walks, but a slight degree of lameness may be noticed when
it trots. For several weeks after the injury the horse may be unable to use
the limb, but it may eventually make nearly a complete recovery.

Atrophy of the muscles of the hip or quarter (Fig. 44) should not be
mistaken for fractures of the ileum. This condition involves the heavy