322 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. 



the flesh only is punctured, the orifice must 

 be kept open that the wound may heal from 

 the bottom ; and if the sides become callous 

 and indisposed to heal, a mild caustic may be 

 injected, such as solution of blue vitriol. In 

 punctured v/ounds of the fleshy parts, it is of 

 consequence to procure a free exit for the 

 matter: with this view we often make counter 

 openings with a knife, or pass aseton through 

 the wound. In recent wounds, however, of 

 t]i« punctured kind, those irritating applica- 

 tions are improper: wounds of this kind are 

 frequently followed by considerable pain and 

 inflammation. It is therefore necessary to 

 keep the orifice open; and if it be small, to 

 enlarge it with a lancet, when the pain and 

 inflammation have subsided. Should the wound 

 appear indisposed to heal, and be found upon 

 examining with the probe to be as deep as at 

 iirst, there is reason to suppose that it's sides 

 have become callous : a caustic is then to be 

 applied throughout it's whole course; and 

 after a day or two, or when white matter is 

 observed to flow from the wound, such 

 pressure should be applied, where it is 

 practicable, as will bring the sides of the 

 wound into contact, and continued until they ' 



