34 



SURGICAL DRESSINGS. 



parts so as again to utilise it. To facilitate the operation special 

 scissors have been designed, but they are very costly and rapidly 

 become worn, while the same object can be attained almost as well, 

 though somewhat less rapidly, with a strong pocket-knife. The line 



Fig. 193. 



through which the incision is to be carried is 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. 





Fig. 195. 



Fig. 194. 



Gutta-percha dressings are less frequently employed in veterinary 

 surgery on account of their cost. The material is in the form of flat 

 plates, which become plastic on immersion in warm water, and can 

 then be pressed closely in contact with the injured part, which should 

 first be well oiled. The soft mass adapts itself with the greatest 



