86 
WOUNDS OF TIIE ARTICULATIONS. 
progress of science. For a long time emollients were exclu- 
sively applied in affections of this kind ; but at a later period, 
astringents have been used, as also compression, combined 
with mild escharotics. At the present time, vesicants and 
cauterization are considered to be the most efficacious agents 
to effect a rapid and favorable termination in the majority of 
articular wounds. 
In treating these affections, the desired object is the obli- 
teration of the synovial fistula; and in order to effect this, we 
prefer topical applications, which prevent inflammation of 
the tissues, or such as cause it to disappear should it be 
present. 
The treatment of which mention has been made, is mecha- 
nical and medical , and we will now consider each of these. 
By mechanical treatment is to be understood reunion and 
compression. 
Simple reunion . — This rarely suffices to obtain an imme- 
diate cicatrization, it has, however, the advantage of causing 
the edges of the wound to be more closely brought in appo- 
sition, and hastening that process. It is not unfrequently 
effected by the use of a suture, but more generally by pres- 
sure with a light bandage. 
Compression . — This has been considered to be more effica- 
cious, and its use has been frequently recommended. M. 
Pauleau was the first to show the good effects arising 
from it.* 
M. Lecoq, professor of the Veterinary School at Lyons has 
recently made particular mention of its application, and 
has recommended it for articular wounds of the fetlock, and of 
the pastern joints.f Other observations published by M. M. 
Pretot and Auboyer, have confirmed the good effects which 
were expected to result from it. J At present compression 
is not only employed alone, but likewise in combination 
with various topical agents, and especially caustics. This 
practice carries out the ideas of M. Lecoq, as expressed by 
him in the work above referred to, which consists in em- 
ploying a slight caustic, such as Alumen. Calc, in conjunction 
with compression. 
Some English veterinary surgeons have recently proposed 
the application of collodion, as a glutinative especially adapted 
to prevent the admission of the air. This agent seems to have 
* G. Pauleau, Plaie articulaire des deux dernieres phalanges. (Pecueil, 
1829, p. 465.) 
j- EL. Lecoq, Plaies articulaires du boulet, des articulations du paturon, 
avec la couronne, et des deux phalangiens. (Pecueil, 1833, p. 416.) 
% Pretot, Pecueil, 1836, p. 144; Auboyer, Pecueil, 1838, p. 186. 
