280 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
Fourth. — Should the wound be deep and it be impossible 
to get at the artery, plug the hole with cotton batting. Leave 
it plugged for twenty-four hours. Remove the plug and also 
examine carefully and remove any foreign matter, wash it 
out with a little lukewarm water until it is thoroughly 
cleansed, when it is ready for sewing if necessary. 
6. Sewing. 
When satisfied that all foreign matter is removed and the 
wound has been thoroughly cleansed, it may be sewed if 
necessary. 
Place a twitch on the horse's nose and cause one of his 
front legs to be held up, or if necessary because of the tem- 
perament of the horse or the extent of the injury, cast and 
secure him in the usual way. 
Use a needle made for the purpose. This may be 
obtained at almost any drug store. Carriage trimmers' small 
twine is the best for the purpose, obtainable at any hardware 
store. Examine the wound carefully to ascertain the best 
place to insert the first stitch in order to bring it together 
evenly, then place the stitches a half-inch apart, t3^ing each 
stitch separately until the whole is done. Draw the stitches 
moderately tight, as they remain longer than if made too 
tight. 
When this is done bathe well with lukewarm water twice 
a day until the stitches come out. Each time after bathing 
apply the white lotion to allay the inflammation and keep 
down the swelling. In time the stitches drop out of their 
own accord and the wound opens again. Continue bathing 
and applying the white lotion, but each time follow by paint- 
ing with compound tincture of benzoin or Friar's balsam. 
This prevents the formation of proud flesh. As soon as 
nearly healed and hard, change the treatment and use only 
the green salve twice a day — night and morning. The best 
method to use the salve is to place a little in a spoon, heat it 
over the blaze of the lantern and apply it with a feather. 
The salve not only promotes healing, but softens the flesh 
around the wound, thus allowing the edges to come well 
together, making a much neater appearance when healed. 
7. Treatment Without Sewing. 
If the wound be deep and the opening small sewing may 
not be necessary. Treat in precisely the same manner as we 
