38 WOUND TREATMENT 



IMeasures should be adopted which are likely to in- 

 sure the healing of wounds in as short a time as possible, 

 so that the animal can return to work. 



Steps should be taken to prevent serious complications 

 such as septicemia, pyemia, malignant edema, erysipelas, 

 bacillary necrosis, and tetanus. 



Measures for the prevention of permanent blemishes 

 are of importance, and in the case of wounds affecting 

 the limbs, every effort should be made to avoid the occur- 

 rence of conditions likely to interfere with the working 

 powers of the animal. 



Human and Veterinary Surgery Contrasted 



Here it will be necessary to compare human surgery 

 and veterinary surgery as regards the treatment of 

 wounds, both accidental and as the result of opera- 

 tions. The distinguishing features that stand out 

 pre-eminently are the following. The human surgeon 

 has the advantage of a well-equipped hospital with 

 all modern conveniences, and a staff' of trained nurses 

 to carry out his instructions. He is supplied with 

 every detail calculated to insure surgical cleanliness 

 and to exert a favorable influence on the course 

 of wounds. ]\Ioreover, in operation wounds, aseptic prin- 

 ciples are carried out from start to finish by trained 

 hands, and the patients contribute to favorable results 

 by obeying the instructions of the surgeon. By complete 

 rest the healing of wounds is facilitated, and means can 

 be adopted by which the affected part is rendered as free 

 from movement as possible. 



In the case of accidental Avounds, early treatment is. 

 carried out before sepsis has had time to exert its effects, 

 even though micro-organisms have gained an entrance. 



The veterinary surgeon, on the other hand, has the most 



