SUEGICAL OPEEATIOTTS. 309 



of the most constant diificiilties that the practicing veterinarian has to 

 contend with lies in the want of appreciation on the part of owners 

 of the great importance of care and attention in the after treatment 

 of wounds. It is for this reason that the writers are averse to 

 closing this portion of their task without pointedly calling attention 

 to the fact that it is very largely to skillful, patient, and careful 

 dressing that satisfactory recovery from most serious accidents is 

 due, and this unswerving vigilance and solicitude we would bespea'k 

 not only for the injured parts, but for the general care of the animal 

 and its surroundings. 



The first and foremost consideration in the dressing of a wound 

 is the observance of scrupulous cleanliness. The most subtle medica- 

 ments and antiseptics are worse than wasted if dirt claims a 50 per 

 cent interest in the business, as is too often the case upon the farm 

 where the care of an animal is relegated to ignorant and thought- 

 less hired help. Unless an animal is in slings, straw and other 

 foreign bodies, as well as blood and necessary discharges, usually 

 adhere to a wound when it comes to be dressed. These should be 

 carefully freed from the wound by means of a sponge dipped in a 

 2 per cent solution of carbolic acid. The sponge should not be 

 brought into actual contact, but should be wrung out just above it, 

 the water being allowed to trickle over the injured part. When the 

 wound and the parts surrounding it have been thoroughly cleansed 

 it ma}^ be dressed either with the " white lotion," the formula for 

 which has already been given, or with a solution of chlorid of zinc, 

 1 ounce to a quart of pure cold water. In cold weather the parts 

 may be dressed with the following: Oxid of zinc ointment, 4 ounces; 

 compound tincture of benzoin, 2 drams; mix and keep the box 

 covered. 



A single fold of ordinary cotton batting gently pressed over the 

 ointment will cause it to remain adherent to the wounded part. In 

 superficial excoriated wounds in cattle a very excellent first dressing 

 (after thoroughly cleansing the wound) consists of iodoform (a com- 

 pound of iodin and chloroform) blown on to the wound through a 

 quill or a folded piece of stiff paper. This should be followed by 

 a second dressing of pulverized aloes applied in the same way, 

 which not only forms an artificial scab, but possesses the additional 

 advantage of keeping off flies. 



There are several other applications which are efficacious, such as 

 bichlorid of mercury, 1 part to 800 of water; boracic acid, 1 part to 

 20 parts of water; carbolic acid, 1 part to water 30 parts; but the 

 foregoing will be found as good as any. 



No good purpose can be served by applying to healthy wounds 

 irritating mixtures of oils and acids, and an owner may safeW make 

 up his mind to the fact that whatever mixture he may use, no 



