38 
WOUNDS OF THE ARTICULATIONS. 
in consequence of the irremediable alteration which it pro- 
duces ; and because the formation of pus has a tendency, by 
sympathy, to take place in the other articulations. In this 
case the pus is of a greasy and serous nature. 
Gangrene has been frequently observed, and it constitutes 
a fatal termination. 
General phlebitis, which produces death, is developed by 
the continuance of suppuration, and gives rise to the symp- 
toms of purulent infection. 
If death is not produced by the causes just mentioned, 
chronic arthritis is commonly the consequence of articular 
wounds. This has been especially observed when a speedy 
cicatrization of the synovial fistula has not been effected. 
Continual pain, lameness, engorgement of the tissues, with 
tendency to anchylosis, complete or incomplete, are the results. 
Sometimes the animal becomes gradually thinner; the belly 
is drawn up ; the flanks nipped in, and chronic gastroente- 
ritis, or disease of the lungs, terminates life. In the more 
successful cases, the articulation remains tumefied, and pre- 
sents a dropsical appearance, which is persistent. 
Accompaniments. — These are local or general: 
The local accompaniments of articular lesions are wounds 
of arteries, veins and nerves ; fractures, inflammation of the 
contiguous bursae, and anchylosis. Among the general ac- 
companiments are observed, diffused phlebitis, tetanus and 
founder. Foundering frequently occurs in the opposite foot 
of the animal to that which is injured. It is caused by 
fatigue, especially when the animal does not lie down. In 
cases of this kind, it is of common occurrence that the first 
symptoms of this complication are not observed, and when 
discovered, the disease cannot be remedied. The sole of the 
foundered foot, is very much altered in form, being convex, 
and presents an incurable bulging. 
Autopsia: Anatomical Lesions. — After death, in the 
injured articulation will be seen lesions indicative of either 
acute or purulent arthritis having existed. 
Prognosis. — The danger of articulated wounds has been 
for a long period remarked ; and all are agreed on their im- 
portance, but w r e must not regard them as always incurable. 
Veterinary surgeons have recorded a great number of 
instances of cures of these wrnunds ; mostly those which have 
cicatrized by the first intention. These wounds have also 
frequently been successfully treated after suppuration has 
. taken place. There are, however, cases in which every 
means resorted to have failed. 
