WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT. 497. 
where there is a simple reddening of the skin; second degree, where 
there is a formation of vesicles, or blisters; third degree, where there 
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, 
quick 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 burn should lead 
one in the determination and course of treatment. Burns of the 
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 burn of the third degree, 
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 animal will ever be compensated for, even though recovery does 
take place; this, in any event, will require at least six or eight: weeks. 
Burns 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. 
Treatment.—Treatment should be prompt and effective. If the 
burns 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 burns 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 burn 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 
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