582 The Book of the Hokse. 



such cases, when happening to a part of the body where pressure by means of a bandage can be 

 apphed, it is one of the best of remedies. If the wound is so situated that this cannot be 

 brought to bear, it is a good plan to plug the orifice with cotton-wool and draw the edges 

 of the skin together by stitches. In less serious cases, simply stitching up the wound, applying 

 cold water or other mild astringents, will commonly suffice. In all cases it is advisable to 

 keep the animal quiet and unmolested. 



WOUNDS. 



In all cases of cleanly-cut wounds it is advisable to treat with the object of bringing 

 about healing by the adhesive process, or, as it is commonly termed, by the first intention. 

 The parts should be first thoroughly cleansed of all foreign material : this can readily be done 

 with the aid of a sponge, or syringe, and a little tepid water ; the edges of the cut ought then to 

 be as nicely adjusted as possible, by means of a bandage or — if necessary on account of the 

 extent or position of the injury — by the aid of stitches. When the wound involves the eyelid, 

 nostril, or some of the other parts of the surface of the body, the margins of the torn skin 

 may be very nicely brought and held in apposition by passing pins through the edges of the 

 cut skin, and twisting around the ends of the pins a small skein of tow. Always endeavour 

 to adjust the margins of the wound without removing or causing a loss of any portion of 

 the skin ; particularly should this be observed in the treatment of cases of lacerated eyelids 

 or nostrils : a loss of structure in such an organ may seriously interfere with the function of 

 it. Having as nearly as may be brought the injured tissues into their original position, use 

 every available means to keep the part in a state of quietude ; to this end it is frequently 

 necessary to so secure the animal's head as to prevent his lying down or the possibility of 

 his licking, biting, or rubbing the wound. 



Should the wound take a healthy action, and at once commence to unite by the afore- 

 named process, the stitches or pins, which ever have been used, should be removed about the 

 third day, great care being taken that in so doing the parts be not disturbed ; if, however, 

 from any circumstance, there be much risk of causing displacement of the partially united 

 material, 'tis better to allow them to remain until Nature in her own way removes them. 

 No other treatment will be necessary ; a rapid and complete union will take place, and but 

 trifling blemish will ultimately remain. But where wounds are inflicted by blunt agents, as 

 from stakes, stubs, spikes of wood or iron, or where not only the skin but also the more 

 deeply-seated structures are involved — wounds in which the injury not only divides the tissues, 

 but so tears them as to destroy their organisation — the healing is brought about in a manner 

 which requires a much longer period of time to complete, and, in many instances, con- 

 siderable skill on the part of the attendant to secure. I would therefore counsel the amateur, 

 when dealing with these cases, simply to have recourse to such measures as would tend to 

 assist the vital powers of the animal to set up a healthy healing until more experienced aid 

 could be brought to bear. 



Firstly, thoroughly cleanse the wound by a free use of tepid water, making sure that all 

 splinters, grit, or other foreign matter are completely removed ; if bleeding profusely, arrest the 

 flow with pressure, \\hich may usually be imparted by compress bandage or otherwise ; should 

 large flaps of flesh or skin be displaced, restore them to their original position by stitches ; 

 tepid fomentations should then be continuously applied. If the patient is sufi"ering from 

 decided shock to the system, which may be recognised by an anxious-looking countenance, 

 quick pulse, and a tendency to cold extremities and general surface, the administration of an 



