Accidents and Operations. 385 



A. First Intention ; i.e., immediate reunion of the parts 

 ivithout the formation of new material, 



B. Adhesive Inflammation ; or the exudation of lymph, 

 on both cut surfaces, 



C. Granulation; or the formation of small masses of 

 new flesh, over which a secretion of pus is continually- 

 poured. 



D. Scabbing or Crusting; a covering formed by nature 

 of dried exuded matter on the raw surface, as pus, blood, 

 or lymph, mingled generally with dirt or dust. 



The final result of either process is a scar or cicatrix, 

 varying in character and dimensions according to the 

 method by which the wound is healed. In our hairy- 

 coated patients, this is not of so much moment as it is on 

 uncovered human skin. 



Incised wounds are generally most amenable to treat- 

 ment. In those recently inflicted it is always advisable, if 

 possible (unless there are diseased deep-seated structures), 

 to obtain union by the first intention. To effect this, after 

 the wound has been cleansed and the haemorrhage has 

 ceased, the lips are brought into direct apposition (taking 

 care no hairs get between), and so maintained by sutures 

 or plaster ; the latter will necessitate the shaving off the 

 hair before it can be applied. 



' The ^nimal must then be so secured that it cannot 

 interfere with the part. For though the dog's tongue is 

 undoubtedly a great cleanser, it is neither a healer nor aid 

 to apposition, and the sooner such an idea is exploded the 

 better. Omit this precaution, and the surgeon's work will 

 speedily be undone ; the animal will persistently lick the 

 wound, and keep it gaping open. It then heals by granu- 

 lation, for it cannot do so by any other method. The 

 result is a broad unsightly cicatrix, instead of the fine, and 

 in time, almost inperceptible seam left from union in the 

 first instance by direct apposition, with or without the first 

 intention. 



CO 



