ANTISEPTIC FIRING. 



12 = 



the tube (/), shown as a dotted line. This jet aspirates strong 

 currents of air through the holes in the burner, mixes with this 

 air, and burns with an intensely hot blue flame within the hood {g). 



Whatever the method of firing adopted, certain general principles 

 must be observed. The preparation of tJie animal is important. 

 If casting is necessary it should preferably be done on an empty 

 stomach ; if the animal is very vigorous and plethoric, the food 

 allowance should be reduced during the previous days, and laxatives 

 may be administered. The point of operation must be thoroughly 

 cleansed, and the hair cut either with a machine or with scissors, 

 but in deep firing, implicating 

 synovial membranes, antiseptic 

 precautions are necessar}-. The 

 cleaner the skin the less the danger 

 of after-infection. For this rea- 

 son, when firing in deep points, 

 the writer usually applies over 

 the whole area of operation a 

 dressing wetted with 5 per cent, 

 carbolic solution, which is allowed 

 to remain in position for twenty- 

 four hours, and to become dry 

 by evaporation. It is removed 

 immediately before operation, and 

 is afterwards replaced by a dry 

 dressing of boric acid and surgical 

 cotton wool supported by a band- 

 age. Where the points are less 

 deeph' introduced it suffices to 

 smear the parts freely with boro- 

 glyceride after operation, omitting 

 the cotton wool, etc. No blister is used. In applying the iron to 

 certain regions where the skin is very mobile, it is well, if casting 

 is necessary, to mark the outlines of the surfaces to be fired before- 

 hand. Quiet horses are usually fired in a standing position, a twitch 

 being applied to the nose, and the foot lifted to prevent accidents. 

 In more extensive operations the parts may be rendered anaesthetic 

 by subcutaneous injection of cocaine, or by the application of an 

 elastic bandage or cord. 



The most convenient apparatus for controlling animals when 

 being fired is undoubtedly the operating table previously described. 

 Firing, however, causing considerable pain, it is often necessary 



Fig. 151. — Autumatic petroleum furnace and 

 protecting hood for heating firing irons. 



