164 The Diseases of Animals 
up the skin only, leaving a cavity to gather pus. After 
the wound is sewed, it should be thoroughly treated 
with antisepties, either in solution or as a dry powder, 
and earefully protected from injury. Animals must 
be restrained from rubbing or biting an injured part. 
Antiseptics or healing substances merely destroy or stop 
the growth of bacteria or germs that interfere with the 
healing process of nature. If it were not for bacteria, 
all wounds would heal at once if the parts were brought 
together. Irritating or caustic substances should never 
be applied to fresh wounds. Nearly all antiseptics are 
poisonous, and should be diluted so that they will not 
injure the living tissues while still destroying the germs. 
Do not disturb a wound more than is necessary to keep 
it clean. Cleanliness is the secret of success in treating 
wounds. 
Wounds heal in several ways. One is by “first inten- 
tion.” In this case, the parts brought and held together 
grow fast withont the formation of pus or matter. 
This is the best method and is always to be desired; 
but it is difficult to obtain in animals on account of 
the number of pus-producing bacteria present under 
ordinary conditions. 
The second method is by “granulation.” In this, new 
tissue forms on each side of the wound and gradually 
fills in and unites the severed parts. When a wound 
granulates, there is a discharge of pus or matter, and 
care must be taken that this does not become excessive. 
Antisepties should be used freely. In some cases the 
grannlations become too luxuriant and form a slightly 
fungus-like growth, known as “proud flesh.” This 
