130 VETERINARY SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
16 
WOUNDS FROM SHARP OBJECTS (INCISED WOUNDS), 
Whether wounds arise from the oferation or from accident, immediate 
union is possible; and one should try to obtain it. ‘The conditions for 
cicatrization are known: clean, regular or recent wounds ; edges smooth, 
of good nature, without indication of mortification; perfect hemostasis; 
exact and entire adaptation of the surfaces; absence ot foreign sub- 
stances ; above all, no infectious elements in the wound ; protection of it 
with a dressing ; and, finally, freedom of the wounded from diathesis or 
any other morbid state likely to influence the wounds unfavorably. The 
edges of wounds from sharp instruments are, in general, but little 
altered, easily adapted throughout their whole extent, are not ragged or 
irregular, and are without loss of tissues endangering vitality. 
Loss of substance which is not extensive does not prevent imme- 
diate union; but the regular juxtaposition of the edges is more dif- 
ficult, and their tension by the sutures is an unfavorable condition. 
-Accidental cuts sometimes have borders more or less bruised and 
ragged; they will be cleansed with the bistoury before being brought 
together. Ifathin clot of blood interpose between the edges of the 
wound, it will be absorbed after they have been brought together ; if, 
by it, the union of the surfaces is only made slower, and large clots 
separate these surfaces mechanically, they constitute a favorable soil 
for the micro-organisms lost in the wound, and, besides, facilitate the 
purulent destruction. 
If the wounds are aseptic, all that is necessary to obtain adhesive 
union is to avoid all contamination. It is useless to inundate them, as 
is still done so often, with strong bactericide solutions, which irritate 
and necrose the anatomical elements of the superficial layer of the 
edges. Boiled water is sufficient for these. For such as have been 
soiled with the instrument or the cutting object, with the hairs, dust, 
straw, manure, or mud, antisepsis is necessary, and strict cleanliness 
indispensable. The edges of the wound are still well nourished, the 
anatomical elements have still their activity, the leucocytes come - 
rapidly to strengthen the defence; but these favorable conditions are 
not sufficient to prevent infection by the staphylococci, streptococci, 
tetanic or septic spores. After these wounds have been badly dressed, 
one often sees tetanus or septicemia make its appearauce. In such 
cases, a simple disinfection with any antiseptic liquid is not sufficient; 
strong solutions and copious irrigations are necessary. 
When the region is not prepared, the skin of the peritraumatic region 
