284 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 



aseptic precautions are useless if the wound is "pawed 

 over" with the hands. 



4th. Avoid Operating in a Dusty Environment, espe- 

 cially in the dust of a stable or veterinary hospital. 



5th. Secure the Patient so that the seat of operation is 

 under perfect control. Dust, flying hairs, flying litter, and 

 the dirty hands are certain to contaminate the wound if the 

 patient is permitted to thrash about. General anaesthesia 

 is commendable. 



6th. Use Only Sterilized Sutures, and thread the needles 

 before the operation begins and thread them with just 

 enough thread for a single stitch. Long threads are dragged 

 over dirty parts of the patient and operating table. Insert 

 them only with the needle holder, and use absorbable thread 

 for buried sutures. 



7th. Use Only Sterilized Dressings. 



8th. Provide Effectual and Adequate Drainage. A 

 poorly drained wound on an animal will seldom remain non- 

 purulent until it is healed. Remember that dryness is the 

 ideal condition to prevent microbian growth. 



9th. Avoid Unnecessary After-Care. Leave a well- 

 drained wound much to itself, rather than submit it to the 

 mercies of the unskilled attendant. 



