736 OPEEATIONS ON THE FOOT. 



the extremely offensive odor proceeding from the diseased parts ; 

 and a sudden and evident increase of pain in the wound, without 

 any known cause. Under these circumstances, which, however, 

 are of rather infrequent occurrence, it is sometimes necessary to 

 remove the dressing as early as the third day, although at this 

 time, as suppuration is not yet well estabhshed, the operation is 

 quite painful, and may be accompanied by free hemorrhage. But 

 if the weather is not excessive ; or the dressing remains dry on 

 the outside, and matters seem to be generally in good condition, 

 the better course is to wait from eight to ten days, before the 

 dressing is renewed. Indeed, numerous cases are on record when 

 a still longer period has been allowed to elapse, and the re-dress- 

 ing has been deferred to the extent of three weeks, or longer. In 

 any event, great caution must be exercised in the removal of the 

 dressings, and the surgeon should be careful to have all his ap- 

 phances ready in advance, in order that the wound may be ex- 

 posed to the air for the shortest possible space of time. When 

 exposed, the wound should be of a red color, with commencing 

 granulations, and a temporary hoof, soft and whitish in appear- 

 ance, should be visible on the podophyllous tissue. A dressing is 

 then applied of tincture of aloes, or a weak solution of iodine. 

 At a later period the dressings are changed at intervals of about 

 eight days, and an appHcation is made of pulverized sulphate of 

 copper, in order to facilitate the drying and hardening of the soft 

 hoof. Baths of sulphate of iron, with a small portion of sulphate 

 of copper are of service in promoting and hastening the cicatriza- 

 tion. 



About the thirtieth or fortieth day after the extirpation of the 

 cartilage, the animal may be put to Ught work. But three or four 

 months, if not a longer period, must elapse, before it will be safe 

 to task him with heavy labor. Toward the end of the assigned 

 term he should be fitted with a bar shoe, shortened on the side 

 where the quittor has existed. If the dressing is skillfully apphed 

 and proper care is exercised, the diseased foot may be sufficiently 

 protected, and the animal made to resume his work with safety. 



In time, the portion of hoof secreted by the coronary band 

 unites with that of the podophyllous tissue, and after a few 

 months, no remains of the operation are visible. But if the cor- 

 onary band has ulcerated; if the skin has been divided; if by 

 contact of the firing iron, or application of caustics, it has been 



