INCISED AND LACERATED WOUNDS. 203 



rated ; and the divided surfaces should have become 

 sticky. Then, if the parts be brought together and 

 firmly retained in that position, perfect union will 

 frequently take place. Jf it is a simple cut, the 

 edges are to be neatly brought together and kept 

 thus by a bandage or by sutures ; but, as the horse 

 cannot be made to hold the wound in perfect rest, the 

 speediest mode of union is rarely obtained in that 

 animal; our endeavours, however, in every case 

 should be exerted to bring it about. 



In a lacerated wound, all the parts of it may be 

 brought together; and perhaps a portion of divided 

 surfaces may heal by first intention. It is, however, 

 absolutely necessary in these cases to leave a free 

 space in the most dependent part of a lacerated 

 wound; in order that the natural discharge may 

 readily escape; for the major portion of the injury 

 is certain to unite by the suppurative process. 



The wound should, in the first instance, without 

 loss of time, be carefully cleansed from dirt, gravel, 

 and extraneous matters. If there is much bruise it 

 should be repeatedly moistened with a lotion com- 

 posed of tincture of arnica, one ounce, water, one 

 pint, no attempt being made to close the injury. This 

 application should be continued till a slough has fallen 

 off, or until the surface commences to discharge good 

 pus. 



Supposing the wound to be of great depth, nothing 

 should be done so long as Nature appears to be 

 performing her reparative task, well and speedily. If 

 the suppuration becomes thin; does not flow forth 

 freely ; or should fungus sprout ; the weaker solution 

 k6 



