280 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



Fourth. — Should the wound be deep and it be impossible 

 to get at the artery, plug the hole with cotton batting. Leave 

 it plugged for twenty-four hours. Remove the plug and also 

 examine carefully and remove any foreign matter, wash it 

 out with a little lukewarm water until it is thoroughly 

 cleansed, when it is ready for sewing if necessary. 



6. Sewing. 



When satisfied that all foreign matter is removed and the 

 wound has been thoroughly cleansed, it may be sewed if 

 necessary. 



Place a twitch on the horse's nose and cause one of his 

 front legs to be held up, or if necessary because of the tem- 

 perament of the horse or the extent of the injury, cast and 

 secure him in the usual way. 



Use a needle made for the purpose. This may be 

 obtained at almost any drug store. Carriage trimmers' small 

 twine is the best for the purpose, obtainable at any hardware 

 store. Examine the wound carefully to ascertain the best 

 place to insert the first stitch in order to bring it together 

 evenly, then place the stitches a half-inch apart, tying each 

 stitch separately until the whole is done. Draw the stitches 

 moderately tight, as they remain longer than if made too 

 tight. 



When this is done bathe well with lukewarm water twice 

 a day until the stitches come out. Each time after bathing 

 apply the white lotion to allay the inflammation and keep 

 down the swelling. In time the stitches drop out of their 

 own accord and the wound opens again. Continue bathing 

 and applying the white lotion, but each time follow by paint- 

 ing with compound tincture of benzoin or Friar's balsam. 

 This prevents the formation of proud flesh. As soon as 

 nearly healed and hard, change the treatment and use only 

 the green ^salve twice a day — night and morning. The best 

 method to use the salve is to place a little in a spoon, heat it 

 over the blaze of the lantern and apply it with a feather. 

 The salve not only promotes healing, but softens the flesh 

 around the wound, thus allowing the edges to come well 

 together, making a much neater appearance when healed. 



7. Treatment Without Sewing. 



If the wound be deep and the opening small sewing may 

 not be necessary. Treat in precisely the same manner as we 



