366 CHAPTER 48. 



already mentioned, and hence the matter which forms needs frequent 

 means of escape. The twisted suture made by two needles and a skein 

 of tow or silk twisted over them answers very well in a small incised 

 wound, such as that caused by bleeding in the neck. 



In extensive wounds a flexible silver wire suture should be used in 

 preference to silk, because it does not absorb the effused matters, and 

 hence also is less likely to slough out. In extensive flesh wounds, how- 

 ever, especially when large portions are pendulous, sutures do not answer. 

 Bandages applied, if possible, from below upwards should be used. 



A bandage should be adjusted very evenly, and not so tight as to 

 obstruct the circulation or to cause pain. When circumstances admit of 

 it, the bandage should be applied above and below, but not over the 

 wound. This arrangement will enable the dressing to be easily changed 

 without the necessity of removing the bandage each time. Plasters are 

 frequently used to keep the edges of wounds together. They are made 

 by dipping strips of canvas or linen in glue or shellac. 



752. Cicatrix. 



True skin, when once destroyed, is never' reproduced. Its place is 

 supplied by a cicatrix which is formed of fibre-cellular tissue covered by 

 epithelium. A cicatrix differs from true skin mainly in not* containing 

 hair or glands. 



753. Constitutional Effects. 



The constitutional effects of such wounds, as it is worth our while to 

 treat in the horse, are in general not very serious. Traumatic fever 

 sometimes ensues, but usually subsides in a few days. Temporary 

 debility may follow any excessive loss of blood from an incised wound, 

 but nature soon repairs the loss. 



754. Treatment of Incised Wounds. 



In favorable cases Incised wounds may be healed by direct union. If 

 any of the conditions necessary to that mode of union are wanting, it 

 may probably be possible to obtain union by adhesion. Of late years 

 considerable advantage has been derived from the application of medi- 

 cated wool kept in position with a bandage, and constantly wet with cold 

 water, or, as it is called " irrigation." Medicated wool possesses the 

 advantage of excluding the air. In some cases it may be necessary to 

 have recourse to union by scabbing or by granulations. As incised 

 wounds are generally simple in their character, the details, which have 

 already been given, will probably be sufficient as a guide to their treat- 

 ment. 



755. Treatment of Lacerated Wounds. 



In Lacerated Wounds some of the conditions necessary for direct 

 union are wanting. Some degree of inflammation is always present, and 



