WOUNDS AND BRUISES OF THE FORE ARM. 
537 
The inner surface of the fore arm displays another depression, at the 
bottom of which can he felt the radius, here only covered by skin. Behind it 
lies the flexor metacarpi internus, likewise readily felt below the skin ; in front 
of this furrow, the bone is margined by the extensor metacarpi magnus. 
Between the two depressions, and quite clearly visible, runs the internal 
subcutaneous or radial vein. 
Two fasciae cover the fore arm, (u) a thin superficial and (5) a deeper, better 
developed layer, the fascia antibrachialis, which arises from the various 
muscles of the humerus and shoulder, is attached partly to the subcutaneous 
portions of the radius, partly becomes continuous with the tendons of the 
extensors and flexors, and partly extends to the ligaments of the knee. 
Between the skin and fascias pass the thin cutaneous nerves ; those on the 
posterior surface of the fore arm arising from the ulnar nerve, those on the 
exterior from the radial nerve, and those on the anterior partly from the 
median. The cutaneous vessels, viz., the internal and anterior subcutaneous 
veins, correspond to these. 
Vertical wounds confined to the skin of the fore arm are of no par¬ 
ticular consequence, but horizontal wounds are more apt to cause trouble, 
on account of their gaping. If carefully disinfected, primary union may 
result from applying a proper dressing, which, however, is more difficult 
in large than in small animals. 
Injury of the muscles and fascia) of the fore arm is frequently followed 
by burrowing of pus and other dangers, for which reason such wounds 
must be dressed antiseptically or freely laid open. Sometimes setons or 
drains are useful, especially in penetrating infected wounds accompanied 
by much swelling and pain. Fever is a particularly dangerous symptom. 
The edges of horizontal muscular wounds are apt to gape excessively. 
The animals generally walk lame, though they may be able to stand on 
the limb, especially when the chief seat of injury is in the extensor muscles. 
Gaping of the wound and contraction in the divided muscles alike impede 
union; and as, in large wounds, the skin soon retracts, it is best, even 
when asepsis seems out of the question, to suture such wounds as soon 
as possible. Sterilised tape about J to \ of an inch broad forms a good 
suture material, and an attempt should be made to fix the skin and pre¬ 
vent it retracting. By passing the sutures through the bodies of the 
muscles a better hold is ensured, and there is less chance of their tearing 
out, whilst the tapes may be used for fastening on a dressing. Any 
tendency to excessive granulation must be repressed early by using 
astringents and dry dressings. 
Bruises of the muscular tissue and fasciae of the fore arm are com¬ 
monest in cart-horses, in consequence of kicks or of blows inflicted with 
the pole. They are easily recognised by the pain, swelling, and difficulty 
in that phase of movement when the limb is carried. Resolution gene¬ 
rally occurs and lameness disappears in eight to fourteen days. In other 
cases abscesses form, and should immediately be incised to allow free 
exit of pus, which may otherwise burrow and cause necrosis of the 
