21 o Common Diseases of the Horse 



W^ounds 



These may be divided into several classes, and are known as: 

 (i) Incised; (2) Punctured; (3) Lacerated; (4) Contused. 



An incised wound is one caused by a sharp, clean cut, and the 

 edges are not ragged. 



A punctured wound is usually inflicted by a blunt-pointed, long 

 instrument, and is more or less circular in shape. 



A laceiated wound is one in which the parts are more or less 

 torn, so that ragged edges result. 



A contused wound is one inflicted by a blunt instrument, and 

 causes more or less bruising of the parts. 



Wounds are described as healing in various ways; such as by 

 immediate union, first and second intention, under a scab, &c. As 

 a matter of fact they all heal by one method, and that is by the 

 growth of new tissue to replace that which has been destroyed. 



Treatment. — The treatment depends upon the nature and situa- 

 tion of the wound. If there is much bleeding, this must first of all 

 be checked by either tying the damaged bloodvessels, bandaging, 

 or applying antiseptic plugs kept in place by bandages. It is 

 absolutely necessary that every wound should be thoroughly 

 cleansed, as, if dirt is present, healing will be retarded and compli- 

 cations likely to occur. The main treatment, of course, is directed 

 to the speedy healing of the wound, and with this end in view it is 

 essential that the healing process should take place from the depth 

 of the wound, or, as it is commonly spoken of, " from the bottom ". 

 This is to prevent the matter (pus), which is always present in a 

 wound of any size, from becoming imprisoned and burrowing its way 

 into the tissues, which it will do if it " pockets " and is not allowed 

 free escape. 



It is sometimes necessary, where the depth of the wound is in a 

 downward direction and on a lower level than the opening, to en- 

 large the latter by the use of a knife so that free drainage may be 

 given. The main principle in the treatment of all wounds is there- 

 fore strict cleanliness, to prevent contamination from dirt (micro- 

 organisms), healing from the bottom, and free drainage. If these 

 directions are noted a successful termination may be looked for. 



To do this it is necessary to keep the wound open, and the 

 scab that forms must be removed almost daily as discretion directs. 

 In oldfashioned circles the removal of the scab is looked upon 

 almost with horror, as it is customary to imagine that when the 

 wound scabs nicely all is well. The condition is good for a short 

 time only, as the wound becomes sealed and the matter lying 



