68 ANTISEPTIC TREATMENT OF WOUNDS. 
the scent of the bandage. In our domesticated animals the 
scent of the bandage is nearly valueless, for even in an en- 
tirely aseptic condition of the wound and its vicinity, espe- 
cially with a moist bandage, a scent which is like that of old 
cheese or a sweating foot, is observed. This scent, which is 
chiefly found in hoof bandages, originates from decayed epi- 
thelium, especially hoofhorn, and has nothing whatever to do 
with the wound, and is of no importance whatever. 
(2) The moist occlusive bandage differs only in its pur- 
pose and treatment from the dry one, so that nearly everything 
that is said of the latter is of value for the moist bandages. 
If we want to put a moist occlusive bandage into use we use 
the same modus operandi as with a dry bandage, only we have 
to see that the bandage should be permanently moistened with 
antiseptic fluids. In human surgery this moisture is kept up 
by placing between the layers of bandaging material gum 
paper or any non-porous material. By this method an evap- 
oration, drying of the moisture contained in the bandage as 
well as perspiration is prevented and the intended object 
reached. Although the bandage under these conditions stays 
moist, an increase of disinfecting matter will by no means be 
obtained, therefore, as the disinfection means will gradually 
be used up, a scarcity of the latter will result; besides, by the 
mentioned mode a maceration of the skin which often results 
in eczema and its consequences will be started. For these latter 
reasons I abandoned this mode of moist bandaging, the more 
so as the bandages of our domestic animals so easily get in- 
fected, especially on the extremities, which necessitates a re- 
peated disinfection. This disinfection is reached by simply 
having.a §& per cent. sublimate solution poured upon the 
bandage several times a day. Experience has taught me that 
no intoxication arises by this treatment and I have decided to 
use a moist sublimate bandage as a rule in all fresh wounds, 
and until the first change is necessary, and I have thus gained 
complete asepsis even in hoof bandages, which are exposed 
to infection. 
