218 OPEN JOINT. 



simple lotions just recommended are the very best 

 medicaments ; for they may prevent that which the 

 poultice induces. If the joint-oil escapes, it is easily 

 recognized by its peculiar odour ; by its glairy nature ; 

 by its being thick, sticky, and transparent ; very much 

 resembling the white of an egg. But the chloride of 

 zinc lotion coagulates the synovia, and this forms 

 the most effective and the most natural of bandages. 



The Surgeon, moreover, will be enabled by the 

 wound being left uncovered to determine at all times, 

 whether he is making progress towards a cure ; and 

 he should recollect that nothing will excuse his pro- 

 longing torture when hope has fled. 



Altogether the best plan of cure for open joint is, 

 however, that which we are about to describe. After 

 the wound has been cleansed it is to be bathed day 

 and night with the solution of the tincture of arnica 

 for four days. At the expiration of this time the 

 slings must be put under the horse. The head having 

 been tied up from the first, a horse thereby being 

 kept standing, will generally take to the slings with 

 evident gratitude. The arnica lotion is then to be 

 cast aside; and another consisting of a scruple of the 

 chloride of zinc to a pint of water assiduously employed; 

 the liquid being squeezed from a sponge upon the 

 limb, but above the wound, and allowed to gravitate 

 over the knee. This is all the process. No stench 

 will arise from the sore. All the pus which is secreted 

 will rapidly escape. The horse will be put to no 

 torture ; for the cool lotion is rather pleasant than 

 otherwise to the feverish wound. No spurious granu- 

 lation will spring up ; but every thing will go on well. 



