56 CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY 



the opening, is the best. With a large circular ^\-ound it is 

 often necessar}' to convert it into an elliptical shape before 

 drawing it together with interrupted sutures. 



The Czerny-Lembert suture is used as a double safe- 

 guard to prevent leakage after some internal \'iscus has 

 been opened. It consists of two rows, the first of which 

 passes through the mucous coat (or it maj- pass through all 

 three) close to the extreme edge of the \\ound. Other sutures 

 of Lembert pattern are then passed over it, thus burying it 

 completely out of sight, and closing the wound as effectually 

 as possible. Occasionally, with a large viscus such as the 

 stomach or bladder, a second row of Lembert's sutures is 

 placed over the first as an additional safeguard. 



Fig. 34.— Needle-holder (Macphail's). 



The simple continuous suture (see Fig. 33) requires no 

 explanation : it is particularly used for suturing the peri- 

 toneum where considered necessary after abdominal opera- 

 tions, and for the skin where the sutures are only intended 

 to be temporary, and where the \\ound is to be reopened. 



The furrier's suture (see Fig. 33) is not a suitable one 

 where quick healing is desired, as the suture material passes 

 between the edges of the wound, thus causing irritation and 

 preventing immediate union. 



Halsted's suture (see Fig. 33) is \'ery useful for some 

 wounds, and is made by passing the suture through the 

 wound, then returning it and tying off on the proximal side 

 so as to make a square-headed suture. It is especially useful 



