DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
811 
by encircling a figure eight several times over the joint. The 
retaining cords should not press forcibly upon the tendo-Achilles. 
Tibial Dressings. —This region is also difficult to dress with 
bandages, and with the exception of the distal end it might well 
be placed in the same category as the shoulder, stifle, etc. Just 
above the hock, however, the seat of tibial neurectomy, a band¬ 
age can be applied. The secret of preventing resistance lies 
in the proper application of padding to the tendo-Achilles. Two 
cylindrical pieces of oakum should be placed on either side of 
the tendo-Achilles, between it and the perforans muscle, so as 
to prevent pressure directly upon it. 
Metacarpal and Metatarsal Dressings. —These regions are 
readily bandaged under all circumstances and necessitate no 
deviation from the general rules. 
General Rules for the adjustment of occlusive dressings for 
the extremities : 
(1) Make bandages no shorter than three meters and no 
longer then six meters, and about ten centimeters wide. 
(2) Always apply them wet with strong antiseptic solutions. 
Dry ones cannot be made to fit the curves of the legs. 
(3) Retain them with abundant wrapping with twine or 
tape. Pinning, or simply applying a wrap or two of twine,is 
not sufficient. 
(4) When they become impregnated with blood after an 
operation they should be changed in twenty-four to thirty-six 
hours and a permanent occlusive one applied. 
(5) Make them more occlusive with tar, except when they 
are expected to absorb secretions. 
(6) Change them as soon as wound secretions appear at the 
surface, as such secretions form an entering channel for organisms. 
(7) Bandage neatly. It matters not how neatly or intelli- 
• gently an operation is performed if the bandage is not neatly 
applied the whole procedure may suffer from adverse criticism. 
(8) Never permit the bandage to interfere with the proper 
drainage of a wound. An improperly drained wound in veteri¬ 
nary patients will seldom remain aseptic. 
(9) Oakum and bandages should be soaked with mercuric 
chloride solution no weaker than 1-500. 
(10) Always cover a liberal surface. 
(To be continued.') 
For ABSCESSES, take boric acid and acetanilid, equal parts, and 
glycerin to make a thick paste ; spread on a soft cloth and apply. 
