490 RESULTS OF WOUNDS. 



pressed upon by the contraction and cicatrisation of the reparative 

 material of the wound, and that this explains the curious fact that 

 tetanus generally occurs when a wound is nearly or completely 

 healed. If this view be correct, then further amputation of the 

 tail or excision of the nerve would afford some relief. Experience, 

 however, does not warrant me in recommending this to be done. 

 The wounds, or the seats of them, if healed, are in all cases to 

 be fomented, and if practicable, poulticed, the fomentations or 

 poultices to be medicated with a solution of belladonna. Should 

 tetanus occur soon after an injury is inflicted, the wound should 

 be examined, and any lacerated or partially divided nerve, foreign 

 body, or dead tissue removed. 



There are some cases of tetanus so acute from their com- 

 mencement that it is quite hopeless to expect any but a fatal 

 termination ; and in every case where all the symptoms aro 

 firmly established before the fourth day of attack, death may 

 be expected. But in cases where the symptoms are slowly 

 developed, some movement of the jaws still remaining, the 

 exacerbations not very severe — more especially if the animal 

 possess a calm quiet temper, and lives over the ninth day, — a 

 recovery may be expected. 



The wound having been properly attended to, the next thing 

 to be done is to place the animal loosely in slings ; this ought 

 to be done early, and before the nervous excitability becomes 

 too great. If the patient is comfortably slung, he will get used 

 to the slings before the malady has attained its height. I 

 recommend the slings because many horses which are in a fair 

 way of recovery lie or fall down when the muscles begin to relax, 

 and, when down, struggle and fight to such an extent that they 

 seldom recover from the excitement and renewed severity of 

 the disease thus brought on. The surroundings of the patient 

 are of the utmost importance ; the stable must be darkened ; 

 should contain no other horses ; be situated in a quiet spot, re- 

 moved from noises, and the door must have a lock, the key of 

 which is to be kept by one individual (the veterinary surgeon, 

 if possible), who is to visit the patient, at most twice a-day, and 

 great care must be taken that the animal is not tormented by flies. 



As a rule, the desire for food continues for several days ; the 

 thirst is considerable, and large quantities of nutritious fluids 

 will be drunk with avidity. 



