BROKEN KNEES. 483 



bits of tissue and projecting portions of skin which may hang 

 from the surface, and the operation of cleansing is complete. 



Teeatment. — The simpler forms of Broken Knee, and the 

 treatment necessary to the same, I will first describe ; after 

 which I will fully treat upon what is proper to do when the 

 joint is exposed. 



The best remedies, in general, are — Cold "Water Bandages, 

 Arnica, Rhus Toxicodendron, Sulphate of Copper, and Aromatic 

 Ammonia. 



Cold Water Bandages. — In every case of Broken Knee, 

 from a graze of the skin to the laceration or division of the 

 tendon of the extensor metacarpi, commence the treatment 

 with Arnica Lotion and Cold "Water Bandages, and continue 

 their use for several days in succession. The bandages should 

 be removed and re-moistened with water every three or four 

 hours during the day, and the Arnica lotion applied as fre- 

 quently. The lotion should be made as directed at page 468. 



At the end of the time stated (or before, or after as neces- 

 sity may require) remove the bandages, and allow the patient 

 to stand six or eight hours, without either the bandages or the 

 lotion being applied, — during which time inspect the knees 

 carefully, and see if synovia escapes, where it escapes, and 

 to what extent. 



To stop the escape of synovia the efibrts of the veterinary 

 surgeon should be directed ; and one of the best substances for 

 this purpose is the Sulphate of Copper, which prepare and use 

 as follows : — Take of the Sulphate 4 drachms^ which triturate 

 in a clean wedgewood mortar, so as to reduce its particles to 

 an impalpable powder.* Wipe the wound as dry as possible, 



* Be particular with respect to tlie fineness of tlie powder, otherwise the 

 Copper will do more harm than good. 



