296 DISEASES OF THE BONES AND ARTICULATIONS. 



Fig. 65. 



cases it becomes necessary to apply a temporary splint apparatus 

 for a few days. This splint apparatus must be used where there 

 is great swelling or where the condition of the wound or part 

 would lead you to expect much swelling. The author finds the 

 best thing for these dressings is a broad pasteboard splint. This 

 should be dipped in water and kneaded by the hand until flexible. 

 There are various other materials for making splints — gutta-percha, 

 wire gauze, etc. In some cases where there is an open wound wire 

 gauze may be used, fastened above and below the fractured ends, 

 leaving the wound exposed. This gives it sufficient support, and 

 proper antiseptic methods can be followed. A plaster-of -Paris or 

 silicate of sodium dressing may be applied immediately after the 

 fracture, provided there are no wounds. Where there are wounds 

 or swellings we must wait until the swelling is absorbed. 



We apply a permanent dressing, or a temporary dressing may be 

 put on in the following manner: Cover it thoroughly with cotton 

 wadding and apply the ordinary bandage, taking care not to make 

 it too tight. In plaster-of-Paris dressings the ordinary gauze, 



crinoline, or cheesecloth may be used, 

 and the plaster, in powder form, 

 rubbed into the part. Then oil the 

 point of the fracture to prevent the 

 bandage sticking. At the same time 

 place the plaster bandage in water for 

 a few minutes and then wrap it care- 

 fully around the part, following the 

 methods adopted in ordinary bandage 

 rolling, being careful not to place it 

 too tight. Smooth the water out of 

 the part, making the bandage as level 

 as possible. In some cases where you 

 want a very stiff bandage, it is ad- 

 visable to put a certain amount of 

 plaster between the folds of the ban- 

 dage and finally give a good coating 

 over the entire bandage. After the 

 dressing has been applied the animal must be kept perfectly 

 quiet for at least ten to twenty minutes to allow the dressing to 

 A plaster dressing will dry and harden a little 



a. Bandage-cutting scissors. 

 6. Bone forceps. 



become hard. 



