GRANULATIONS—-CICATRICES. 199 
the piece of skin to be detached, which is to be left-as narrow as possible. 
It is dissected away from the hardened tissue underneath, the synovial 
membranes being carefully avoided. Hemorrhage is arrested by force- 
pressure, the wound is dried with aseptic plugs, and the edges are sutured 
with silkworm gut, the stitches being one centimeter apart. If the loss of 
substance is too great, before sewing, the edges of the wound are made 
loose underneath for an extent sufficient to permit their perfect adaptation. 
The suture and the shaved surface are all powdered with iodoform and 
covered with iodoform gauze; absorbing wadding is wrapped round the 
knee, canon, and lower part of the forearm, and the whole secured by a 
large band of muslin. To insure immobilization, a plaster dressing is placed 
over the muslin, made of similar stuff. 
On the tenth day the dressing is taken off. If the operation has been 
performed aseptically, union by first intention has taken place. Another 
similar dressing is applied, less the plaster, which has become unnecessary. 
This is removed after eight days. The cicatrix is then sufficiently solid to 
require no more protection or care. The animal can resume light werk. 
A narrow line, subsequently covered by new hair, is the only mark left when 
the operation is well performed. 
