414 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



of foreign matter of a septic character, which poisons the wound and 

 may set up serious local and constitutional mischief. 



Punctured wounds frequently escape attention, until acute swelling 

 and the formation of abscess bring them into notice. When, however, 

 they are known to exist, such results may frequently be guarded against 

 by prompt and proper treatment. 



In this connection the extent, direction, and relations of the wound 

 should first be determined, if possible, by means of a small aseptic probe 

 carefully applied. While this is being done it should be specially noted 

 whether any foreign body has been left in the wound or not. 



Where it is practicable, punctured wounds should be syringed out 

 with carbolic lotion (1:20). If matter accumulates, a counter -opening 

 must be made at the most depending part to allow of its escape, or 

 they should be laid freely open and treated as a common wound. 



In dealing with punctured feet the horn is usually stained a dark 

 colour in the track of the nail, and a dark serous fluid escapes, or may 

 be pressed from the orifice. 



All the horn along the course of the puncture should be removed 

 down to the quick, and any part of the horny sole which may be found 

 to be detached from the sensitive sole must be removed. Being a non- 

 vascular structure it cannot again reunite, and may afford lodgment to 

 foreign matter and become a means of keeping up irritation in the part. 



After being freely laid open, the wound must be irrigated with carbolic 

 lotion and covered with a thick layer of antiseptic wool sprinkled with 

 iodoform. The shoe should then be lightly tacked on, and the dressing 

 supported by strips of cane passed across the foot and secured between 

 the shoe and the crust. 



Where these wounds receive prompt attention, six or seven days suffice 

 to effect reparation. If neglected, the pent-up matter will force its way 

 upward towards the coronet and break through the skin, giving rise to 

 quittor. 



After the dressing has been applied, the foot should be put into a 

 "boot" to protect the wound from dirt, or if necessary a carbolized 

 poultice may be applied over it. 



Poisoned Wounds are for the most part due to one or another of the 

 various micro-organisms which gain an entrance to them. In addition there 

 are the stings of insects, such as bees and wasps, which sometimes attack 

 our horses, and produce serious mischief. In these cases the stings must 

 he removed, as far. as possible, and the part dressed with ammonia. 



Snake-bites, which happily are of rare occurrence in this country, are 

 occasioned by the introduction of a secretion formed in the fangs of the 



