384 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



ness, and the operator skilled. A bandage should be so 

 applied that very slight pressure will be exerted. 



When antiseptic dressings are not employed, boric acid 

 and a little iodoform may be sprinkled over the wound. 

 The latter keeps off flies, and both greatly assist the heal- 

 ing process. 



Wounds of mucous membranes — i. e., those of the 

 mouth, throat, vagina, etc. — may be dangerous from hgem- 

 orrhage, and should receive prompt attention. Cold and 

 pressure are usually successful in arresting bleeding ; in- 

 deed, these are the best methods of controlling haemorrhage 

 when the injured blood-vessel can not be secured by a liga- 

 ture, and may often supersede ligatures. 



Sprains and Bruises. — These are common in so active 

 and spirited a creature as the dog. The danger is at first 

 inflammation, and, later, weakening of parts; in fact, a 

 sprain may lead to a permanent weakness. 



The treatment indicated is rest, cooling lotions, as the 

 lead-and-opium wash, iced cloths, etc. If inflammation 

 has actually set in, hot fomentations, medicated with opium 

 or belladonna, may be better. After this stage, and to 

 encourage a return to a natural condition, any kind of a 

 stimulating application — e. g., ammonia, soap, or turpen- 

 tine liniment — will be useful, with suitable rubbing, mas- 

 sage, graduated exercise, etc. 



Usually after the acute stage bruises do not give much 

 trouble unless abscesses form. The treatment is much as 

 for sprains. 



Burns and Scalds. — When large, these are always liable 

 to be followed by serious consequences. 



The indication is to allay pain by opiates internally, 



