312 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



equally efficacious on a wire-cut on the last dropped calf, without even 

 pausing to think that either case might have done equally well or even 

 better if confided unanointed to the healing hands of nature. 



For the purposes of the present work wounds may be divided into 

 /three classes: (1) Incised ; (2) punctured; (3) lacerated or contused. 



An incised wound is one with clean-cut edges, and may be either 

 superficial or deep. In wounds of all descriptions there is necessarily 

 more or less bleeding, and this is especially liable to be the case in 

 incised wounds, particularly when they penetrate to a considerable 

 depth, or when inflicted on a part where arteries of any size approach 

 the surface. To arrest the hemorrhage must, therefore, be the first con- 

 sideration. If slight, a generous use of cold water will be all that is 

 necessary, but if one or more vessels of any size have been wounded or 

 entirely severed they should be taken up and ligated. If the blood 

 flows continuously and is dark in color it proceeds from a vein, but if 

 bright colored and jerky in its flow it is arterial. 



There is nothing very formidable or difficult in taking up an artery. 

 It simply means tying up the bleeding vessel, which should be accom- 

 plished as follows : To discover the bleeding artery take a sponge, dip 

 it in cold water, and by gentle pressure on the wound clear it of the 

 accumulated blood. The jet of fresh blood reveals the end of the 

 vessel, which is readily recognized by its whitish yellow or buff color. 

 It should be seized with a forceps or pincers and slightly drawn clear 

 of the surrounding tissues. Now take the thread and place the middle 

 of it under the artery, fetch up the ends, tie one simple knot tightly, 

 pressing down the thread with the forefinger so as not to include the 

 forceps, then a second one over it, cut off the ends, and the thing is 

 done. The bleeding being arrested, the operator can now carefully 

 clean and inspect the wound, taking care to remove all blood and for- 

 eign matters and clip the hair around the edges before proceeding to 

 stitch it up. If the wound is superficial the lips may be brought 

 together by a series of independent stitches (Plate xxviu, Fig. 6), about 

 three-fourths of an inch to an inch apart. The stitches should not be 

 drawn tightly; it is sufficient to bring the edges of the wound in 

 apposition. 



If the wound is deep the needle should be introduced perpendicularly 

 at as great a distance from the lip of the wound as the depth it is to 

 be inserted, so as to give the thread sufficient hold. All the stitches 

 should be as nearly as possible at equal distances from the border of 

 the wound to prevent unequal strain, and the knots should be made at 

 the side, not over the wound. (Plate xxviu, Fig. 6.) When the wound 

 is large and deep, care should be taken to have an opening in the 

 lowest part to allow for the escape of the discharges. 



In deep wounds which run crosswise of a limb or muscle it will often 

 be advisable to use what is technically known as the " quilled suture," 

 which is most readily described by Fig. 7, Plate xxviu. To accoin- 



