WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT. 49 T 



wiiere there is a simple reddening of the skin; second degree, where 

 there is a formation of vesicles, or blisters ; third degree, where ther« 

 is a complete destruction of vitality of the tissues, such as would 

 occur is charring from direct contact with flames or from escaping 

 steam. Besides the burns caused by flames and steam, there are other 

 causative agents, such as chemicals (caustic alkalis and acids) , light- 

 ning stroke, and occasionally the broken trolley wires of electric rail- 

 ways. When a large surface of the skin is burned or scalded, the ani- 

 mal (if it does not- die at once from shock) will soon show signs of 

 fever— shivering, coldness of the extremities, weakness, restlessness, 

 cfuick and feeble pulse, and labored breathing. No matter which 

 agent is a factor in the production of burns, the lesions are practi- 

 cally of the same nature. The extent and site of the bum ^ould lead 

 one in the determination and course of treatment. Burns of th« 

 shoulder and those about the region of the elbow or other parts 

 where there is much movement of the tissues are grave, and, if at all 

 extensive, treatment should not be attempted, but the immediate 

 destruction of the animal is advised. A bum of the third d^giee, 

 where there is a destruction of the vitality, of large areas of tissue, 

 even on parts not subject to much motion, is extremely tedious to 

 treat; in fact, it is questionable whether the treatment and keep of 

 the anima:l will ever be compensated for, even though recovery does 

 take place; this, in any event, will require at least six or eight weeks. 

 Bums caused by lightning stroke and trolley wires are liable to occur 

 in irregular lines, and, unless death occurs at once, they generally 

 are not serious. 



TreaPment. — Treatment should be prompt and effective. If the 

 bums are extensive, the constitutional symptoms should be combated 

 with whisky and milk and eggs, or ammonia carbonate, strychnin, 

 caffein, or other stimulant to prevent shock. In the local treat- 

 ment, to alleviate the pain, the application of cold water in some form 

 and the hypodermic injection of morphine are to be recommended. 

 In bums of the first degree, where there is only a superficial inflam- 

 mation, lead carbonate (white lead) ointment is very good. Carron 

 oil (limewater and linSeed oil, equal parts) is a standard remedy, 

 but a modification of it known as Stahl's liniment is perhaps better. 

 This is composed of linseed oil and limewater each 200 parts, bicar- 

 bonate of soda 100 parts, and thymol 1 part. The scorched surface 

 should be covered with this liniment and then with a layer of borated 

 gauze or absorbent cotton, to protect from the air. The application 

 should be frequently renewed. Carbolated vaseline may be used 

 in place of the above. In case the bum is more extensive, the fol- 

 lowing solution may be used : Picric acid 2 parts, alcohol 40 parts, 

 water 400 parts. The lesion should be thoroughly cleansed with this 

 36444°— 16 32 



