LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 91 



an essential feature to he considered in a discussion of symptoms. 

 Where a contusion of the anterior brachial structures occurs, 

 there is, in addition to lameness, swelling which is painful be- 

 cause of the pressure occasioned by the heavy non-yielding ])ra- 

 chial fascia. And where suppuration occurs, there is then an 

 intensely painful condition which is not relieved until pus has 

 been evacuated. Rather frequently, drainage for wound secre- 

 tions is a difficult problem, and approximation of the divided 

 ends of muscles is always difficult to maintain. 



Treatment. — Contused wounds of the anterior brachial region 

 are treated along usual lines ; that is, attempt is made to stimu- 

 late prompt resolution. Hot or cold applications are employed 

 throughout the acute stage of the affection. Complete rest is 

 provided for until all pain has subsided. Later, stimulating lini- 

 ments are beneficial. 



Where no injury is done the periosteum or bone, complete 

 resorption of all products of inflammation usually occurs, though 

 in many instances, this is tardy — six weeks or more are some- 

 times required for recovery to take plac'?. 



If suppuration occurs, it is necessary to provide for drainage 

 as soon as it is possil)le to distinguish the presence of pus. Due 

 regard is given the manner of establishing drainage because of 

 the usual existence of su])-fascial fistulae. In these cases, one 

 avoids injecting solutions of aqueous antiseptics. By gently com- 

 pressing the parts, pus is caused to drain out and in enforeinsr 

 a moderate amount of exercise at a walk, when lameness is not 

 intense, drainage is maintained. Cotton packs, moistened with 

 hot antiseptic solutions, and kept around the forearm for sev- 

 eral hours daily, are helpful because drainage is facilitated, 

 and resolution is stimulated by the increase of blood thus at- 

 tracted to the parts, and pain materially diminishes. 



In lacerated wounds of the anterior brachial region, after 

 having controlled hemorrhage, an area around the wound margin 

 is freed of hair by clipping or shaving. The wound is carefully 

 examined, and the best site for drainage is selected and a suit- 

 able opening for wound discharge is provided for. Where the 

 extensor carpiradialis (metacarpi magnus) with other struc- 

 tures, is divided and the distal portion is torn downward, as 



