Treatment of Wounds. 225 



3. To bring the parts as near as possible into their natural 

 positions, and keep them there. 



4. To guard against excessive inflammation. 



The means we have to accomplish these results are as fol- 

 lows : — 



1. To Chech Bleeding. — If the blood is bright red, and 

 flows in spurts or jets, an artery has been cut. Its open end 

 must be sought for, seized with the forceps, drawn out a little 

 and tied with a thread. A little practice will enable any one 

 to do this with great ease. 



If the flow is steady and of dark blood, it need cause no 

 anxiety. Bathing the part in alum water (1 oz. of alum, in 

 powder, to a pint of water), rubbing it with a piece of ice, or 

 sponging it with clean water will quickly check it. 



2. Cleaning the Wound. — This is best done by pouring 

 water on it from a height, not rubbing it with sponges or 

 rags. Pieces of hair, dirt, etc., can be picked out with the 

 forceps. Nothing is so useful for a cleansing wash as a weak 

 solution of carbolic acid, one or two ounces of the acid to a 

 gallon of water. 



3. Restoring the Position of the Parts. — The edges of a cut 

 wound should be carefully brought together and sewed or held 

 by sticking plaster. A broken bone should be replaced in 

 its natural position and held there by splints. Strong curved 

 surgical needles should be in the outfit of every stock owner, 

 and he should j^ractice their use on the dead animal. Where 

 they are not convenient, the edges of a wound may be held 

 together by inserting a strong pin and a twisted suture, as 

 shown on page 67. 



The sutm-es are generally removed on the fifth or sixth 

 day. 



As to local applications, after the wound is thus put up, 

 they are to be found in any quantity. Some good surgeons 



15 



