CHAPTER III. 
MUSCLES. 
I. 
TRAUMATIC LESIONS. 
Bruises.(contusions) of muscles have external causes (traumas) and inter- 
nal causes (fractures, luxations). They vary from the slightest excitement 
(muscular stupor) to complete rupture or crushing. The more elastic skin 
yields without breaking, while the muscle underneath is cleanly divided or 
bruised. Commonly, the alterations consist in fibrillar ruptures with 
bloody infiltration or only in a partial division: hemorrhage takes place, 
the cavity is filled, and a hematoma is formed. 
Rest, douches in some cases, wadded paddings, are the treatment useful 
in the beginning. Even when there is partial or total rupture, the thera- 
peutic is not yet very active. (See Ruptures.) Later, massage is to be 
employed. When asero-bloody collection remains, it is necessary to have 
recourse to puncture followed by an alterative injection, methodical pres- 
sure or incision. (See Cozdusions.) If the traumatic center suppurates, 
free openings and antiseptic irrigations are necessary. In cattle, bruises 
of the gastrocnemius are often accompanied with suppuration. Puncture 
and carbolic injections insure recovery. (Stockfleth.) 
Pricks with aseptic instruments heal promptly. If they are infected, 
they are accompanied with severe phlegmasic phenomena and suppuration, 
and must be treated according to the rules indicated in the chapter on 
Pricks in general. 
Wounds with sharp instruments affect the muscle more or less deeply 
and in various directions. If they are parallel to its axis, they have no 
tendency to open widely ; there is but a slight slit, which will close rapidly. 
If, on the contrary, the organ is divided transversely, there is first an 
abundant hemorrhage, both ends separate, and the wound gapes. What- 
ever may be its extent or its character, it must be carefully disinfected, 
especially if the injuring body is dirty; and the leg must be put into 
the best position to favor the closing together of the ends of the muscle. 
This is sometimes difficult to realize. The leg should be kept extended 
with an unremovable bandage in cases of the section of an extensor, and 
flexed if there is section of a flexor: attempts may be ss to bring 
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