24 FISSURINC OF THE HORNS. 



solution, like 2 per cent, creolin or carbolic acid solution, which is kept 

 in position by a spiral bandage passed around the horn, and secured in 

 a figure of 8 on the opposite horn. Instead of applying such a dressing, 

 some practitioners content themselves with using an antiseptic ointment 

 or even a simple dressing of tar. 



FISSURING OF THE HORNS. 



Causation. In a general sense fissures may result from any violence 

 affecting the centre portion of the horns, such as blows with the yoke 

 or accidental bruises inflicted by the animals themselves in fighting 

 with their neighbours. 



Symptoms. Whether the fissure is confined to the horny covering 

 itself or whether it extends to both the i)ortions constituting the horn, 

 that is, the horny covering and the horn core, two very noticeable 

 symptoms are always present : 1. A straight fissure resembling a sand 

 crack, and appearing usually on the convexity of the horn, and, 2. A 

 very trifling hsemorrhage, which does not appear until some hours or 

 even a day after the accident. 



Diagnosis. If the lesion only affects the horn core, diagnosis is 

 always difficult, for one can hardly perceive any sensitiveness of the horn 

 near the fissure. 



Prognosis. Provided that the horn core is not injured, the prognosis 

 is favourable ; but in the contrary case, it should be reserved ; for 

 haemorrhage extending to the interior of the frontal sinus not infrequently 

 causes suppuration in that cavity. 



Treatment. Attempts should first be made to check haemorrhage by 

 applying masses of tow saturated with cold water and frequently wetted 

 with slightly antiseptic solutions, such as 2 per cent, creolin or 

 carbolic acid. If haemorrhage persists in spite of this simple treatment, 

 astringents may be employed, which, by causing the formation of a clot, 

 mechanically arrest further extravasation of blood. These astringents 

 vary considerably in value, and we should particularly warn practi- 

 tioners against perchloride of iron, which causes necrosis of the 

 tissues, and later, formation of pus. A 5 per cent, solution of gelatine 

 is haemostatic and excellent for the purpose named, as also is hydroxyl 

 solution. When once haemorrhage is arrested, the keratogenous mem- 

 brane rapidly heals in consequence of its vascularity, and soon secretes 

 fresh horn. 



