ABDOMINAL WOUNDS OF ANIMALS 161 



tissue that eventration threatens, coaptation of the wound 

 margins in some manner is necessary. 



In the handling of such cases in large animals, the 

 first problem which confronts the operator is that of 

 restraint. Certain it h that the subject must be con- 

 fined, and unless the Avound is high up on the side, a 

 recumbent position is necessary. As a precautionary 

 measure it is well to apply a temporary bandage to pro- 

 tect and support the parts until the animal is placed in 

 readiness. If much suturing is to be done, complete 

 anesthesia is imperative. Local anesthesia would suffice 

 were it not that the subject usually resists confinement 

 even more than the pain inflicted by the process of 

 suturing. 



Since the treatment of such wounds constitutes emer- 

 gency surgery, there is no time for the preparation of 

 the subject, and one must count on an occasional loss 

 from anesthesia, delirium, or shock. 



Careful attention must be given to cleansing the skin 

 bordering the wound. A liberal area should be shaved, 

 all macerated tissue removed, and the wound thoroughly 

 cleansed by mopping with gauze or cotton moistened with 

 a mild antiseptic solution, or with sterile water. After 

 hemorrhage has been controlled, all parts should be 

 moistened with tincture of iodin. Particularly is this 

 essential if the wound has taken place several hours 

 prior to its being treated, or if it has contained much 

 dirt or filth. 



Approximation of the wound margins, with the excep- 

 tion of the skin, may be brought about by means of con- 

 tinuous sutures of chromic gut. Each of the several 

 layers of tissue comprising the abdominal wall should be 

 sutured separately, then the skin should be sutured with 

 a heavy material either of silk or linen. Mattress sutures 



