OPEN JOINT. 215 



will have commenced ; and the part which previously 

 could be probed and handled, without causing any 

 pain, becomes so acutely sensitive, that the horse will 

 not allow it to be touched. The nature and extent 

 of the wound must, therefore, in the first instance, be 

 carefully ascertained. The probe will generally 

 determine very speedily whether the ligaments of 

 the joint have been cut through. The peculiar jar 

 and grating of the bone underneath, when the metal 

 is brought into contact with it, can scarcely be mis- 

 taken. 



If the orifice is large, and extends, as it were, 

 across the knee; is much lacerated and very ragged 

 at its edges, it will probably be a serious matter ; for 

 in such a case the tendons of the extensor muscles, in 

 addition to the ligaments of the joint, must have been 

 separated, and it may be merciful to destroy the horse. 

 It certainly will be serious if the wound is between 

 the upper row of the knee and the bones of the arm ; 

 for a great deal of action will necessarily take place at 

 this joint. If it be opposite to the midddle row of the 

 joint, the case is more favourable, for there is less 

 action in these parts. 



The old way of closing the wound is by manv 

 persons much admired; and the practitioner, whore- 

 solves to employ it, will go to work at once, before 

 the membrane of the joint has taken on inflammation, 

 Any of the adjacent parts being much lacerated must 

 be removed ; but as little as possible should be taken 

 away. The common firing-iron should then be taken ; 

 and brought almost to a white heat ; and run rapidly 

 over the wound and with a medium pressure; the 



