438 WOUNDS. 



each stitch ; the distances of which from one another must be 

 regulated by circumstances, as the depth of the wound, its 

 being exposed to much or httle motion, &c. It is, however, 

 seldom advisable to put them nearer than an inch to each 

 other ; but oftener an inch and a half or two inches is left 

 between them. Having inserted as many as are requisite to 

 sustain the parts in their just position, begin to tie each 

 ligature, an assistant carefully holding the edges of the wound 

 together ; bearing in mind that, if the wound be considera- 

 ble, it is prudent to fasten the centre stitches first. The 

 disposition that is observed to ulceration in the horse and 

 other quadrupeds, greatly lessens the advantages which are 

 often derived from sutures. It is very seldom that the 

 veterinarian can depend on any suture remaining beyond the 

 third or fourth day, after which time it ulcerates out ; 

 more particularly where it has been drawn too tight. 



Wherever the uniformity of the part will allow of it a 

 bandage may be applied, and the bandage called the uniting 

 is the best; this consists of a long roller having two heads, 

 by which means the central part can be first applied to the 

 portion of the body opposite to the wound ; by then draw- 

 ing each roll forward, the divided edges arc brought into 

 contact by the pressure, which will retain them there. The 

 conical form of some parts of the extremities will prevent 

 the permanent application of any bandage, unless retained 

 in its situation by supporting ends passed over the neck in 

 the fore, and over the loins for the hinder legs. The 

 twisted suture is not frequently applicable to the horse. It 

 is conceived, however, that in wounds of the eyelids, lips, 

 nostrils, &c., it may be advantageously employed. The 

 continued suture, though still used by many older surgeons, 

 is certainly superseded by the interrupted, which is fully 

 equal to producing adhesion in the intestines and other thin 

 membranous cavities. All straight surgical needles are 

 made with triangular cutting edges, which greatly assist 

 their entrance into the substance of a wound, particularly of 

 membranous parts. It still, however, remains a doubt, 

 whether the irritation occasioned by the stitches does not 

 sometimes rather retard than promote the adhesive union : 

 and yet it is principally as a promoter of this union that 

 they are advisable; they being seldom, on account of the 



