DISEASES FROM SEPTIC INFECTION OF WOUNDS 305 



emaciated and finally die. AVith these symptoms we see metastatic 

 suppuration in the internal organs. 



The therapeutic treatment of pysemia is similar to that of septicaemia. 



Treatment of Wounds. — In the treatment of wounds we must pursue 

 the following directions to obtain good results: 1. That the edges of the 

 wound must be brought together as soon as possible to encourage union. 

 2. That in the treatment of wounds we must protect them from all kinds 

 of irritation, and especially from the invasion of micro-organisms. 



A wound may be infected with microl:)es through the hair, or by 

 direct infection from unclean hands, instruments, dressing materials, 

 or septic fluids. It is also possible to infect a wound from the blood. 

 The main point in the treatment of wounds should be to prevent the 

 direct entrance of microbes into it, or to destroy the infectious substances 

 which have entered the wound, and finally to put it in such a condition 

 as to prevent the fui'ther development of any microbes that may still 

 remain there. The first is rather difficult in the dog even under ordinary 

 circumstances; the last can be followed out to a certain extent, as the 

 treatment of wounds is greatlyinfluenced in the dog by two facts : first, many 

 dogs will not allow a dressing to remain in place; and, second, a wound is 

 interfered with to a certain extent by the tendency that all dogs have to 

 lick the injured part. For this reason we frequently have to modify the 

 treatment of wounds in the dog. We must, however, apply a dressing 

 in all cases where we can keep the patient quiet and prevent him from 

 removing it. The veterinarian has t^^■o powerful agents at his disposal 

 for the treatment of wounds: the first is, primary disinfection of the 

 wound and its neighborhood; second, keeping the wound as dry as possible. 



1. The First Disinfection of Wounds. — This is of special importance, 

 and especially during and after operations where there is much blood lost. 

 The wound and everything coming in contact witli it, also the tissues 

 surrounding it, should be carefully rendered antiseptic. The hair has to 

 be shaved or cut very close, the skin washed with ether or benzine in 

 order to remove all the fatty matter lying in the skin. Follow this by 

 washing with antiseptic fluids (1 per cent, solution of sublimate, 3 per 

 cent, carbolic acid, 2 per cent, crcolin). Any existing wound has to be 

 treated in the same manner. If there is a wound the shape of which 

 forms a cavity, an antiseptic solution must be injected into it and come 

 in contact with all parts. The irrigator shown in Fig. 117 is especially 

 adapted to that purpose. For cleansing wounds do not use sponges 

 unless they are thoroughly aseptic, also disinfect the gauze and dressings 

 (tampons). Instruments and the operator's hands must also be care- 

 fully attended to. The former should be placed in an antiseptic solution 

 of carbolic acid, 5 per cent., or a 2 per cent, solution of creolin. Do not 

 use corrosive sublimate solution for instruments, as it leaves an insoluble 



