164 DISEASES OF THE BONES AND ARTICULATIONS. 



rapid sloughing of the portion included is to be avoided ; that 

 the adhesion of the urachus is most likely to be produced by 

 firm but not violent pressure ; and that the thick suture is less 

 likely to cut through the structures which it encloses than a 

 thinner one, or suture wire, and not so liable to irritate and 

 annoy, by its weight and presence, as the clam. 



The application of the suture must be in the form of a stitch, 

 the skin being pierced by the needle on both sides of the urachus, 

 and the suture tied round it as a loop. "When thus applied, 

 there is no danger of its slipping off. The practitioner must 

 not be afraid to take a deep hold, and enclose plenty of skin 

 in the suture, in order that the adhesive action may surround 

 the opening, and thus be a future support to the more tardy 

 adhesive action of the mucous lining. 



The formation of healthy lymph within the urachus will be 

 much favoured by injecting, before the suture is applied, a 

 solution of nitrate of silver, ten grains to the ounce of water. 



If the parts enclosed in the suture should slough off, and the 

 flow of urine return whilst the patient is otherwise improving, 

 the suture may be again applied ; but if the general symptoms 

 have become worse, the sufferer should be destroyed, as the non- 

 union of the urachus indicates that the material formed in and 

 around it is aplastic, and not fitted for permanent repair, or to 

 be converted into proper tissue. 



In conclusion, it must be always remembered that the health 

 of the mother plays a most important part in the production and 

 removal of this disease, and must upon all occasions demand the 

 veterinary surgeon's care and attention. 



