REMOVAL OF SUTURES. 157 



of the opposite formation, and consequently sutures must be re- 

 moved earlier. On general principles tliey should be taken out by 

 the fourth or fifth day, or even sooner, if indications of complica- 

 tion due to their presence are manifested. 



In removing sutures, it is necessary to proceed cautiously, in 

 order to avoid breaking any adhesions that may have been formed. 



As a general rule, but one should be detached at a time, be- 

 ginning at the least important point. The threads and needles 

 should be cut close to the side opposite to that on which they are 

 to be extracted ; they must be carefully cleaned of crusts or dried 

 pus and any I'oughness whatever, and the sldn should be carefully 

 held down as they are slowly drawn out. If the adhesion seems 

 at any points to be too Mght, the sutures must be left in a few 

 days longer. The appHcation of adhesive mixtures, or of collodion, 

 will strengthen a weak cicatricial tissue. 



When a suture has been apphed, as well as when it has just 

 been removed, it is sometimes necessary, in order to prevent the 

 animal from biting or rubbing the cicatrix, to bring the cradle or 

 the side bar into requisition. 



