WOUNDS, BRUISES, AND ABSCESS. 289 



exit to the matter that may form. If this can be accomplished 

 without stitches it is better to avoid them. If the wound is not 

 deep, it is desirable to heal it by the first intention, as it is called, 

 but it is rarely the case that this can be done in the horse. In 

 man, sticking-plaster assists this purpose ; but the hair, in horses, 

 almost precludes its use. It is, however, an object of import- 

 ance to save the old skin as much as possible ; and, for this 

 purpose, sutures are often necessary, even when there may be no 

 chance of healing by the first intention. Metallic sutures have 

 lately been introduced by Messrs. Slmonds and Spooner, with 

 the view of remaining In a much longer time, for silk and thread 

 usually give way in a few days, leaving a gaping Avound. 



In a lacerated wound of some depth and extent, it is fre- 

 quently desirable, if it penetrates downwards, to insert a setou 

 so as to procure a depending opening for the matter that may 

 form. In these wounds, the lacerated parts may be removed, as 

 this will facilitate the cure. It is desirable to bring on a healthy 

 suppuration as soon as possible. For this purpose, the applica- 

 tion of a warm poultice for one or two days will be useful, if the 

 part is convenient for the purpose, otherwise the wound may be 

 sprinkled with a powder composed of equal parts of finely pow- 

 dered resin and powdered chalk ; inflammation being kept 

 down by warm fomentation at first, and cold lotions afterwards. 

 When the wound su[)purates, it may be touched daily with a 

 little tincture of myrrh, and the following powder scattered over 

 it: — 



Prepared chalk, powdered .... 1 oz. 



Armenian bole, powdered 2 dr. 



Alum, powdered 2 dr. 



Mix. 



If the granulations grow above the level of the surrounding 

 skin, becoming what Is commonly termed i^oud Jiesli, they must 

 be kept down by the application of a little caustic, such as mu- 

 riate of antimony. It is important to attend to this, as it will 

 materially lessen the blemish. By this simple method of treat- 

 ment, the most formidable muscular injuries may be readily cured. 



A simple bruise, where no wound is infiicted, merely requires 

 to be treated with poultices, fomentations, or cooling lotions, in 

 order to remove the inflammation by resolution, as it is called, 

 that is, to cause Its dispersion. This, however, cannot always bo 

 done; suppuration takes place, and an abscess Is formed. — Ed.] 



[ JVounds of the Salivary Ducts 



Are very rare, but sometimes they prove very troublesome ft'om 

 the saliva escaping and preventing the wound from healing, and 

 occasioning, indeed, a fistulous wound. In a recent case, the 



u 



