WOUNDS IN THE CHEST OR BELLY. 209 



with the chloride of zinc wash should be put over the 

 wound; above this a larger piece of oil-silk, and 

 above all a broad bandage, which last, by straps 

 extending between the fore legs and over the shoulder, 

 may be securely retained in its place. 



The bandage should not, if possible, be removed 

 during the first three or four days. The wound, in a 

 great many cases, will then be nearly or quite closed. 

 If necessary, a fresh pledget must be put on, and the 

 bandage replaced. The chance of healing the wound, 

 and avoiding fatal pleuritic inflammation, is obtained 

 by keeping the opening perfectly closed. 



In wounds of the abdomen it will be necessary to 

 cast the horse, in order to favour the return of any 

 protruded intestine. The part that has escaped must 

 be carefully cleaned and returned; and great care 

 taken that no portion of it is wounded by, or included 

 in, the sutures, by which the orifice, if large, must be 

 brought together. Some have advised to include a 

 small portion of the peritoneum in the stitches, in 

 order to secure more rapid adhesion. It must be 

 remembered, however, that when this method is 

 adopted there is considerable danger of inflamma- 

 tion ; it should, therefore, be recollected that there is 

 a choice of evils, and neither one plan nor the other 

 should be carelessly followed. 



In either case some means should be resorted to, in 

 order to avoid inflammation. This, however, can only 

 be done by attending to the symptoms that are pre- 

 sented ; for these will vary with the nature or extent of 

 the injury, and with the condition and temperament of 

 the animal. 



