50 WOUND TREATMENT 



The frequency with which extensive wounds involving 

 the muscular tissues (such as occur in the region of 

 the hip) suppurate, and the sutures give w^ay, has led 

 some practitioners to leave such wounds open. No doubt 

 in the case of a "squealing," kicking mare, or of an 

 unbroken colt, we all have a tendency at times to avoid 

 the use of sutures, and it is surprising to find how 

 readily such wounds heal. Still, there is no doubt but 

 that less blemish is left if the edges of such wounds 

 are brought together by sutures, at any rate for a time, 

 provided thorough cleansing is carried out and proper 

 drainage provided. In extensive wounds of this kind 

 occurring in vicious animals, I always cast the patient 

 in order to carry out the procedure properly. The 

 suture material should be soft in texture, but strong; 

 hard material is very likely to cut through the skin. 

 In clean-cut wounds, sutures should always be employed. 

 It is hardly necessary to remark that in punctured 

 wounds, or deep wounds of any kind, and in the case of 

 torn or lacerated wounds with much destruction of tis- 

 sue, or in suppurating or septic wounds, sutures are 

 contraindicated. 



Experience has taught me that wounds in the region 

 of the head are best treated without sutures, unless such 

 cases are in an infirmary under the immediate care of 

 the practitioner, so that the early indications of septic 

 infection may be observed. Under other conditions there 

 is a tendency to the occurrence of erysipelas or allied 

 complications. I now paint such wounds with tincture 

 of iodin and find the best results therefrom. This may 

 be considered as an irritating agent, but the results 

 justify its employment. There are instances of sup- 

 purating wounds in which suturing should be at- 

 tempted in order to avoid permanent blemish. Some 

 time af?o I saw a case in a foal in which a wound extended 



