173 



Coatinuous Sutur 



as possible, first, however, carefully sponging the raw surfaces with tepid 

 water. We have had several cases in foals, where very large rents- 

 extending from the edge of the mouth to the middle of the cheek, needed to 

 be carefully sutured together. In one instance, owing to the motion of the 

 cheeks in mastication, the wounded surfaces had to be again sewn up, as 

 the sutures all became loosened in a few days ; and in another case three 

 successive suturings by the interrupted method, were required at intervals of 

 about a week, before the tissues grew firmly together. 



For suturing we often use medicated strong twine or silk, but in some 

 instances silver wire is to be preferred. In these operations, one should 

 commence the stitch about half an inch to an inch, varying with the thick- 

 ness of the lips of the wound, from each edge, and should not be afraid of 

 passing the needle pretty deeply, so as to obtain a sufficient hold. As a rule, 

 the stitches should be about half an inch to an inch or so from each 

 other ; and one should be careful to bring the corresponding parts of the 

 severed tissues into close apposition with one another. When the sutures 

 have been carefully made, we may bathe the tissues with a bland unirritating 

 antiseptic lotion, or may anoint the part with a little ointment. A lotion of 

 boric acid is very useful. This may be made of boric acid, one part ; 

 hot water, twenty parts. Dissolve, and when cold, use the clear solution. A 

 lotion of boroglyceride, made of one part of this preparation with thirty parts 

 of water, is likewise very efficient. A very useful ointment of boric acid 

 may be made of six parts of vaseline to one of the acid. After dressing the 

 wound, it may, if necessary, be carefully bandaged; but this will seldom be 

 requisite. No fomentation should on any account be applied, so long as the 

 wound remains free from inflammatory action ; but the surfaces may be 

 bathed with the lotion once daily, or more frequently. The sutures may be 

 removed in about eight to twelve days after being inserted. 



Having now disposed of the different methods of suturing, let us turn to 

 consider more closely some points regarding the antiseptic treatment of 

 wounds. We have here especially recommended lotions and ointment of 

 boric acid in preference to carbolic acid, because they are much less 

 irritating, when applied to recent wounds. Nevertheless, carbolic acid 



