310 The Farmer's Veterinary Adviser. 



wound may close witliout this result, but if the tissues are 

 severely lacerated or bruised, as ia case of falls, etc., a 

 certain amount of inflammation must necessarily ensue. 



Treatinent. Never probe such wounds. Sand or gritty 

 matter must be removed by a stream of tepid water or the 

 most careful picking, and the lips of the wound brought 

 together if necessary by stitches, but with as few as pos- 

 sible and those only passing through the skin. Perfect 

 quiet must be secured by slings, spHnts, bandages or, 

 if the opening is small, by a bhster enveloping the joint 

 but leaving a clear space of an iuch around the wound. 

 In the absence of the bhster, the joint may be irrigated 

 with cold water continuously applied as for ostitis, or a 

 poultice may be apphed Avith a weak solution of carbolic 

 acid poured over its surface, or the same carbohc lotion 

 (1 part to lOO^water) may be applied by means of sat- 

 urated cotton bandages covered with dry. Coagulating 

 agents (powdered alum, acetate of lead, sulphate of zinc, 

 etc.,) are sometimes used to close the wound by a clot of 

 synovia, and if this has been effected it should never be 

 disturbed by picking or dressiug, but left to be expeUed 

 when the wound is finally closed by the growth of gran- 

 ulations from its lips. The greatest danger Ues in the 

 movement of the joint which stimulates the secretion 

 of synovia and keeps the wound open ; in the introduction 

 of atmospheric air into the joint, and iu the decomposi- 

 tion of the morbid liquids in the wound. Hence, perfect 

 rest, closure of the wound and the use of antiseptics like 

 carbohc acid are all-important. 



The general treatment is the same as for arthritis from 

 other causes. 



If suppuration ensues there is the greatest danger of 

 destruction of the joiut. 



INMiAMMATION OF THE SYNOVIAL CAVITIES — BUESJE AND 

 SHEATHS OF TENDONS. 



Bursa, are little synovial cavities placed between the 

 skin and prominent bony processes to favor the gUding of 



