290 VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



In the progress of any serious contused wound, there are two distinct 

 periods, namely, the sej)aration of the slough produced by the contusion, 

 and that of the repair of the chasm by granulations. If the parts around 

 are much bruised, superficial slough may ensue to a considerable extent. In 

 this case clean the raw surface withcastile soap and warm Avater, to which 

 is added one per cent of carbolic acid. Keep the part clean and covered 

 with healing ointment: 



Prepared carbonate of zinc § ss. 



Lard | iij. 



Lay a fold or two of soft rags on it to protect it. If the wound does not 

 heal readily, add to this ointment a little turpentine. Before healthy 

 granulations can form, the wound must discharge itself of all dead 

 matter. Minor contused wounds do not generally run to sloughing. 



The great principle in the treatment of contused luounds is to render 

 them of a simple character by giving to the confined matter and extrava- 

 sated blood a free exit by making an incision at the lowest part. All 

 contused wounds, however,, do not require to be opened, because the 

 effect of the stimulating liniments which may be applied is often sufficient 

 to rouse the blood-vessels and absorbents to remove the effused fluids. 

 In all contused wounds, whether great or small, there is always, it must 

 be remembered, some destruction, though it may be very slight, of the 

 subcutaneous tissues or muscles. The products resulting from such 

 causes must be removed. If the powers of nature are not sufficient, 

 their more speedy removal must be assisted by art. 



In lacerated loounds, the ragged edges should first be cut away with a 

 pair of scissors, after which the inflammation at first existing in the con- 

 tused and neighboring parts must be reduced by poulticing before the 

 healing process will commence. For a poultice boiled and mashed tur- 

 nips are highly recommended, or linseed meal may be used. 



For abraded surfaces, stypic collodium is an excellent application: 



Collodion § v. 



Carbolic acid § ss. 



Tannin 3 ij. 



For simple abrasions of the cuticle, Kennedy's extract of Pinus canaden- 

 sis is a very useful astringent and stimulant. 



