1 88 



OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



solution, which also gives them greater durability. While the plaster 

 is setting it is-absolutely necessary that the limb should be retained in 

 the proper position, as any movement breaks and therefore usually 

 entirely spoils the dressing.. For this reason small animals must be 

 kept lying ; larger animals should be placed in slings. 



Fk 



>28. 



Fig. 22g. 



These dressings, especially when of plaster, are. often very difficult 

 to remove, especially if one wishes to remove the bandage in two parts 

 so as again to utilize it. To facilitate the operation special scissors 

 have been designed, but the}' are very costly and rapidl}^ become worn, 



Fig. 230. 



while the same object can be attained almost as well, though s.ome- 

 what less rapidly, with a strong pocketdcnife, the line through which 

 the incision is to be carried being first thoroughly moistened with 

 warm water or, better still, with hydrochloric acid. In the latter case 

 of course, the instrument used for cutting suffers very considerably. 



