]16 EVERYTHING ABOUT DOGS. 



edges of the wound irregular; punctured wounds those caused by stabs or probes; 

 while contused wounds are those due to crushing and bruising. 



''The process of healing is accomplished in different ways, according to the 

 nature of the wound and the condition of the surrounding parts. 



"1. First intention that is, by immediate reunion of the parts. 



"2. Adhesive inflammation, in which there is an exudation of lymph in both 

 cut surfaces. 



"3. Granulation, where the wound gradually heals by the formation of proud 

 flesh. 



"4. The union of granulations. 



"5. The commoner and more usual method of healing, under a scab. 



"In incised wounds the parts should be cleansed, and the bleeding arrested, 

 any hair should be removed, and the lips or edges of the wound brought into 

 immediate contact by sutures. Where practicable, the whole should be covered 

 with dry carbolized tow and a bandage. A muzzle must be worn, or the stitches 

 will be torn out, causing an unsightly wound that mu?t then heal by granulation, 

 while instead of a very slight scar, a large one will be the result. In adhesive 

 inflammation the mode of treatment is the same; it has, however, been proved 

 beyond doubt that dry dressings are much preferable to any other. The old 

 r.r-thnd of dressing with oils, etc., is no longer continued. The commonest 

 method of healing is by granulation under a scab as already noted. 



'In wounds I have found the carbolized tow and carbolized gauze the most 

 successful. The object of these is to prevent suppuration, if possible, by keeping 

 the hair aseptic. Especially is this the case when one is trying to heal a wound 

 by first intention, or by adhesive inflammation. Tn other wounds it. keeps them 

 healthy. The wound must be constantly washed and kept thoroughly clean. If 

 it is a serious one, or there is much discharge, it should be dressed twice a day. 

 Where proud flesh appears, it should be kept under by the application of nitrate 

 oil silver; again if the wound is unhealthy-Looking, and the healing process is 

 retarded, a slight application of nitrate of silver will often stimulate it to 

 healthier growth. 



"In all cases where the wounds heal by the process of granulation it is abso- 

 lutely necessary that the repairing process should begin at the bottom, and so 

 gradually close the wound. Should it occur at the surface, the pus will be 

 imprisoned, burrow between the muscles, and find an exit or exits elsewhere in 

 the shape of abscesses; or the pus will form sinuses, which will necessitate 

 making large incisions. All wounds should be examined well for the purpose 

 of detecting the presence of foreign matter, and again hemorrhage (bleeding) 

 must be stopped before suturing. 



"In punctured wounds, the wound should be explored by means of a silver 

 probe, so that the exact extent of the injury can be ascertained, and foreign 

 matter removed. If this latter is overlooked, the result is often blood-poisoning 

 and death. Punctured wounds must always heal by granulation; where there is 

 any suspicion of foreign matter, always have recourse to a poultice. 



"Contused wounds are generally successfully treated by poulticing and 

 fomentations, but if the injury is 'severe, sloughing may take place. The final 

 healing is by granulation. Always bear in mind to keep the wound clean. 



"To summarise the general treatment of wounds. First stop the bleeding, 

 remove the hair and examine for the presence of foreign matter, and where this 

 exists remove it. If there is any doubt about it, apply a hot poultice night and 



