CHAPTER II. 



DISEASES OF THE ARTICULATIONS. 



The various articulations in small animals are subjected 

 to a variety of conditions. 



WOUNDS OF THE ARTICULATIONS. 



Punctured wounds and various kinds of incised wounds 

 are frequently met with. In some cases the adjacent struct- 

 ures may be severely injured complicating the condition. 

 Further classification should be made into aseptic and septic 

 wounds. From a practical standpoint it is important to 

 examine the wounds carefully to make these distinctions. 



Etiology. — It is selfevident that these wounds occur 

 through various accidents and injuries to which the animals 

 are subjected. 



Symptoms.— The animal will favor the joint affected and 

 refuse to walk on the limb. A thin, serous discharge (synovia) 

 is noted coming from the wound. The amount of pain and 

 swelling will not be marked in the early stages. However, 

 if infection is introduced, these symptoms develop very 

 rapidly. Pus soon makes its appearance, the joint becomes 

 very hot and sensitive, and general symptoms of fever, loss 

 of appetite, are observed. 



Diagnosis.— This is made by carefully examining the dis- 

 charge and by probing the wound with a sterile probe. 



Prognosis.— Should not be made very favorable in any case, 

 owing to the possibility of destruction of the joint, or anky- 

 losis. Non-infected wounds usually heal without difficulty. 



Treatment.— After learning the facts concerning the in- 

 volvement of the joint, strict antiseptic precautions should 

 be taken, and all means employed to prevent infection. 



