ANTISEPTIC SUEG^ERY. 69 



trating effect on fat. Consequently, this salt of mercury is not a 

 reliable antiseptic. As carbolic acid does not coagulate albumin 

 and as it readily combines with fat, a solution of it is particularly 

 effective for cleaning the seat of an operation. Corrosive sublimate 

 is used at a strength of from 5 to 10 grains to a pint of water. 



It is well to remember that ordinary oil has a protective action 

 on bacteria, and is consequently much inferior to water, vaseline, or 

 glycerine as a "vehicle'' for an antiseptic. For this reason, the 

 once popular carbolic oil is now seldom used. In its place, I would 

 recommend the following application which I have devised for 

 open wounds and sores, especially in hot climates — 



Carbolic acid , 1 oz. 



Camphor 5 ,, 



Kesin or shellac 1 ,, 



Methylated spirits 15 ,, 



The carbolic acid is an antiseptic ; the camphor is a sedative ; 

 fbe resin leaves a fine coating over the part to protect it; and the- 

 carbolic acid and camphor prevent flies from lodging on it, but only 

 for a few hours, as both these drugs are volatile. 



As a DRY ANTISEPTIC DRESSING, we cannot do better than 

 to employ tannoform (p. 625), iodoform (p. 612), or equal parts, 

 of iodoform and tannin. 



Antiseptic Surgery. 



In operations with the knife, there are two courses open to us. 

 First, when the wound is in healthy tissue, and when we are able 

 to dress it, and to keep it dressed, under thoroughly antiseptic pre- 

 cautions, so as to obtain union without the formation of matter 

 (pus). Second, when we cannot obtain this favourable result in its 

 entirety, in which case we should try to bring about repair in the 

 best possible manner. 



When adopting strict antiseptic methods, we have, during the 

 operation and until the part has resumed its ordinary power of 

 resisting infection, to prevent the entrance into the wound, of germs 

 or other material which might injuriously affect the health of the 

 wound, or the general health of the animal. The application of 

 antiseptics to a wound in healthy tissue is a necessary evil ; for if 

 we could keep the part in a state of absolute cleanliness without 

 their aid, the wound, being free from their more or less irritating 

 effects, would heal quicker than if they were used. In veterinary 

 surgeiy, when using the knife at all freely, we can veiy rarely 

 dispense with the employment of antiseptics, supposing, of course, 

 that our object is to get the best possible result. Even if the 

 antiseptic or antiseptics do not completely succeed in their object, 



