22 SPECIAL VETERINARY THERAPY 



This should be injected into the cavity slowly after 

 plugging up all openings, except the one through 

 which it is to be injected and be sure every portion 

 of the interior comes in contact with the suspension. 



As soon as this is done the entire joint is swathed 

 in clean cotton held in place by such bandages or re- 

 taining appliances as the surgeon's ingenuity may de- 

 vise. This dressing should remain in place for two 

 weeks. 



In nine out of ten cases a complete cure will have 

 been effected when the dressing is removed at the end 

 of this time. In rare cases it may be necessary to re- 

 peat the treatment. 



It is very imporant that the entire joint be heavily 

 swathed in cotton which must be held snugly, yet 

 not tightly in place. 



The patient must be kept as quiet as possible until 

 the two weeks have elapsed, and during this time 

 should receive a dram of hexamethylenamine in a pail 

 of drinking water three times daily. 



Hexamethylenamine is of much value in various 

 forms of arthritis. It has been found that it is ex- 

 creted by serous membranes and it has been demon- 

 strated to be present in synovial cavities within an 

 hour or two after administration. Its antiseptic action 

 is due to formaldehyde which is liberated during the 

 process of elimination. v 



