560 VETERINARY SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
‘the escape of the clots that the iodine or phenic acid make with ‘the 
synovia, and which sometimes prevent the washing. So as to prevent 
the coagulation, Nocard has recommended solutions of thymic acid 
I Or 2 p. 1000. 
Starting from this fact, that ergotine and morphine “reduce secre- 
tions,” Laffitte has tried a mixture of equal parts of the two following 
-solutions : 
Ergotine........,..00 (Wie e Et ecss oe NoaKOeeee Togtamm, 
Distilled water... 2.00: 0%asestewars exe ee sees same ee 4o do 
Muriate of morphia....... 0. cece eee cece ee eevee 0.50 
Distilled) wateriscccivas vcecis aire wetediss gscoteertneneieign 35 do 
Stottmeister has advised solution of eserine 1 p. 100 (5 to 10 grammes 
to a dose). ; 
After these modifying injections, moderate pressure (flannel, linen or 
‘rubber) with immobilization, or a blistering friction, canbe used. Like 
Bassi, many practitioners prefer the blister to the bandage. 
Against hydarthrosis which have resisted penetrating firing and modify- 
ing injections, arthrotomy can be resorted to. It comprehends the same 
rules as synoviotomy. The region, material of operation, surgeon and 
assistant must be thoroughly aseptic. Hemostasis is obtained with a 
rubber cord. With an incision made parallel to the large vessels and 
nerves, the synovia is allowed to escape, the false menbranes are removed, 
and the synovial membrane carefully cleaned out. Sometimes a piece 
-of skin has to be excised on both edges of the wound. This is closed 
by sutures ; a drain is left at the lower commissure; and the region 
covered with an antiseptic bandage, and immobilized as much as pos- 
:sible. This is a delicate operation, which exposes to most severe com- 
plications, if asepsy has failed. Gunther and Moller have condemned 
it. Notwithstariding some late success, their judgment needs no 
revision. We can only repeat what we have said on tendinous dropsies 
in general; in the ordinary circumstances of our medicine, if one does 
not wish to run big risks, let him continue and prefer the cautery to the 
‘bistouri; leave arthrotomy to the virtuoso and the lover of cutting. 
Let us resume the therapeutics of hydarthrosis. At the beginning, 
-prescribe rest, douches, cold baths, astringents, compression, massage. 
If these fail, use blistering and again hydrotherapy and massage. 
When the dropsy is abundant or already old, and the peri-synovial tissues 
indurated, resort to firing in lines, in fine points or in needles. 
