INDEX OF DISEASES AND REMEDIES 803 



WOUNDS continued. 



Every variety requires attention to the following conditions : 



(1) Absolute asepsis. 



(2) Perfect arrest of haemorrhage. 



(3) Accurate apposition of severed parts. 



(4) Physiological and mechanical rest. 

 To secure asepsis 



Foreign bodies, grit, sand, etc., are removed from accidental wounds. 



Adjacent skin is shaved or closely clipped. 



In wounds of soft parts, the edges, if very dirty or damaged, are carefully 



trimmed. 

 The wound and adjacent parts are thoroughly and freely washed with 



an effectual germicide, such as Carbolic acid, 1 part to 20 of boiled 



water. 



Corrosive sublimate 1 part, common salt 8 parts, water 1000 to 2000. 

 Zinc chloride 1 part, water 40 to 80 parts ; hydrogen peroxide. 

 When wounds are inflicted several of these germicides should be used in 



succession. 

 Wounds may be dusted with a dry dressing of iodoform, tannoform, 



zinc oxide, boric acid, or chinosol ; special cases with dried tetanus 



antitoxin. 

 When an aseptic state has been secured, less powerful agents suffice to 



maintain it, such as solutions of boric, salicylic, or sulphurous acid, 



or chlorinated soda. 

 Large, lacerated, contused wounds are provided with drainage, a piece 



of rubber tubing being introduced into the deepest part, and a depen- 

 dent opening secured. 



Introduction of fermentable, putrefactive, or infective material pre- 

 vented by covering with several folds of antiseptic lint, cotton wool, 



or oakum. 

 Antiseptic precautions to be further observed as to instruments, hands 



of operator, etc. 

 Haemorrhage is arrested temporarily by application of a tourniquet, 



permanently by ligature, torsion, pressure, water at a temperature 



of about 120 Fahr., styptics or cautery. 

 Accurate apposition of severed parts effected by careful suturing with 



aseptic catgut, horse-hair, silk, silver wire, etc. 

 Physiological rest is secured by analgesics ; belladonna liniment and 



tincture equal parts, diluted with 60 to 100 water. Laudanum 



diluted ; morphine hypodermically. 

 Anatomical rest obtained by equable pressure of dressings and bandages, 



support of splints or adhesives, and slinging, of the larger animals. 

 Wounds properly dressed and going on satisfactorily should be disturbed 



as little as possible, except for cleansing and replacing external 



dressings ; there need be no hurry in removing aseptic sutures. 

 If a wound become inflamed or painful, the dressings must be removed, 



sutures cut out, clots or other irritants removed, the wound irrigated 



or syringed with an antiseptic, and redressed as before. 

 Opium and belladonna used, with fomentations and antiseptics, when 



there is much pain. 

 Excessive granulation checked by pressure, astringents, occasional use 



of caustic, and exposure to the air. 



Attention to state of bowels, cooling digestible diet, and healthful 

 surroundings essential to successful treatment. 



