468 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



the case in incised wounds, particularly when they penetrate to a 

 considerable depth, or when inflicted on a part where arteries of any 

 size approach the surface. To arrest the hemorrhage must, therefore, 

 be the first consideration. If slight, a generous use of cold water will 

 be all that is necessary, but if one or more vessels of any size have 

 been wounded or entirely severed, they should be taken up and 

 ligated. If the blood flows continuously and is dark in color, it 

 proceeds from a vein, but if bright-colored and jerky in its flow, it 

 is arterial. 



There is nothing very formidable or difficult in taking up an 

 artery. It simply means tying up the bleeding vessel, which should 

 be accomplished as follows: To discover the bleeding artery take a 

 sponge, dip it in cold water, and by gentle pressure on the wound 

 clear it of the accumulated blood. The jet of fresh blood reveals the 

 end of the vessel, which is readily recognized by its whitish yellow, 

 or buff, color. It should be seized with a forceps or pincers and 

 slightly drawn clear of the surrounding tissues. Now take the thread 

 and place the middle of it under the artery, fetch up the ends, tie 

 one simple knot tightly, pressing down the thread with the fore- 

 finger so as not to include the forceps, then a second one over it, cut 

 off the ends, and the thing is done. The bleeding being arrested, the 

 operator can now carefully clean and inspect the wound, taking 

 care to remove all blood and foreign matters and clip the hair around 

 the edges before proceeding to stitch it up. If the wound is super- 

 ficial, the lips may be brought together by a series of independent 

 stitches, about three-fourths of an inch to an inch apart. The stitches 

 should not be drawn tightly ; it is sufficient to bring the edges of the 

 wound in apposition. 



If the wound is deep the needle should be introduced perpen- 

 dicularly at as great a distance from the lip of the wound as the depth 

 it is to be inserted, so as to give the thread sufficient hold. All the 

 stitches should be as nearly as possible at equal distances from the 

 border of the wound, to prevent unequal strain, and the knots should 

 be made at the side, not over the wound. When the wound is large 

 and deep, care should be taken to have an opening in the lowest 

 part to allow for the escape of the discharges. 



In deep wounds which run crosswise of a limb or muscle it will 

 often be advisable to use what is technically known as the "quilled 

 suture." To accomplish this method a curved needle with an eye in 

 the point and a strong double thread should be used. The needle 

 thus threaded is introduced perpendicularly at least an inch from 

 the wound on one side, carried across below and brought out the 

 same distance from the border of the cut on the opposite side, the 

 thread being seized and held in position while the needle is with- 

 drawn, leaving a loop of thread protruding on one side and two loose 

 ends on the other side of each stitch. When a sufficient number of 

 stitches have been made, take a light piece of wood about the size of 

 a lead pencil, corresponding in length to the size of the wound, or 

 slightly longer, and insert it through each of the loops, drawing up 



