OPJiN JOINT. 



1)3 



elbow or hock, supposing' that either of these joints was open. 

 Avoid allowinp' the blister to come in eontact witli the W(HinJ. 

 luunobilit}' should be further secured, it possible, by placing tlie 

 animal in slings (p. 690). If any discharge soaks through the 

 antiseptic wadding, the dressings should be removed, an antiseptic 

 applied, and fresh antiseptic coverings put on ; l)ecause, even it a 

 irerm-free discharge be allowed to form a communication between 



r 



Fig. 39. — Splint devised by ih. Pugh, M.K.C.\'.S. 



the wound and the external air, or between the wound and a germ- 

 tainted material like ordinary cotton wadding, microbes of putre- 

 faction will quick!}' work through into the injured joint. If at first 

 the flow of synovia be too copious to admit of its complete absorp- 

 tion by the antiseptic cotton wadding, it is best to dispense for the 

 time being with this wadding, and frequently S3'ringe the wound 

 with an antiseptic, so as to keep the part free from putrefaction, 

 and promote drainage. If all goes well, the bandage can be left on 

 for four or five days, and after it is removed, apply taunoform or 

 other suitable antiseptic (p. 67) to the wound. No time should be 



