WOUNDS OF THE ARTICULATIONS. 
39 
In order to form a correct prognosis of articular wounds, 
the extent of the lesion, the length of time which has 
transpired since it occurred ; the direction of the wound, 
its situation, age of the animal, and the complications 
with which it is associated should always be taken into 
consideration. 
A wound situated in the bend of an articulation is the 
least serious, because it allows of the pus and altered synovia 
to escape. 
Small or narrow wounds, produced by a pointed or cutting 
instrument, are generally considered to be of a less formi- 
dable nature than others, as they have a disposition to quick 
cicatrization, and are rarely followed by inflammation of the 
articular surface. A large wound, on the contrary, frequently 
produces suppuration of the articulation. When of a recent 
occurrence, these wounds are of a less serious character, 
because the development of arthritis is prevented; but when 
they have existed for a considerable period, suppuration 
generally takes place, and it has been shown that an articu- 
lation which has suppurated, resumes with difficulty its 
normal condition. 
The consequences of incurable degenerations are per- 
sistent. 
Wounds of large articulations are more serious than those 
of the smaller ones. 
Writers have not always agreed with respect to the influ- 
ence age has upon the subject of these lesions. Since 
Lafosse^s time, successful treatment has been met with in 
old horses more commonly than in younger ones. This 
assertion rests upon observations made with regard to nails 
running into the foot, and injuries to the knee. It cannot, 
however, be admitted with reference to all the articulations. 
The complications are generally less to be apprehended in 
young subjects, because their tissues are more extensible 
than in aged ones. 
The situation of an articular wound affords certain indica- 
tions of the seriousness of its nature. Articulations which 
cannot be kept perfectly quiet for some time are less success- 
fully treated than others w r hich can be. Thus, wounds of 
the jaws are not so serious as those of the phalanges. 
It seldom occurs that w r ounds of the humero-radial articu- 
lation are treated successfully. Those also of the hock and 
fetlock are almost as difficult of cure. The articulations in 
which cicatrization is most readily obtained, are those of the 
knee and the deeper seated joints. 
The veterinary surgeon is deprived of a resource with regard 
