| Tincture of cantharides | One ounce. |
| Chloride of zinc | Two drachms. |
| Water | Three pints. |
| Mix. Keep a rag constantly wet over the part. | |
Either will stimulate the parts, and probably prevent any tendency to unhealthy action. The yeast poultice produces this effect by giving off carbonic acid; the lotion accomplishes this intention by both its active ingredients. Each is stimulating, also disinfectant, and will counteract any filthy odor which may attend the sloughing process; but the lotion is perhaps to be preferred, as it is more easily applied. When the slough has taken place, should hemorrhage ensue, dash upon the part jug after jug of the coldest water; or, should no very cold water be at hand, drive upon the mouths of the vessels a current of wind from the nozzle of the bellows. Continue to do this till the bleeding ceases, or until a surgeon can be obtained to take up the arteries.
The after-treatment is simple: apply frequently the solution of chloride of zinc, one grain to an ounce of water; that lotion will cleanse the wound and prevent unpleasant smells.
As respects feeding, this must be regulated by the character of the pulse. Should the beat of the artery be quick and feeble, no hay should be given; good, thick gruel should constitute the only drink excepting in extreme cases, when two pots of porter may be allowed each day. Good oats and old beans, both crushed and scalded, should then constitute the food, and the utmost gentleness should be exercised toward the animal.
Should the pulse be natural, allow three feeds of oats each day, as, in every kind of injury to the horse, more danger is to be apprehended from debility than from any excess of energy.
Incised wounds.—When these happen, always dash the part with plenty of cold water or blow upon them with the bellows. Place the horse in the nearest shed; motion promotes hemorrhage, therefore a walk is not to be hazarded. The bleeding being arrested—for, in severe accidents of this kind, there is no time to send for assistance—let the animal remain perfectly quiet until the exposed surface has become almost dry, but on being touched by the finger feels sticky. Then draw the edges together, and keep them in that position by means of sutures.
FIXED SUTURE NEEDLE: VERY USEFUL
FOR INCISED WOUNDS OF NO GREAT DEPTH.
The best means of inserting these sutures is with a curved needle fixed into a handle. The handle is wanted to obtain the necessary power, and the needle's point should be sharp to penetrate the hide of the horse, which in places is of considerable thickness. The needle is thrust through the integument about one inch and a half from one margin of the incision; it is brought out about the same distance within the divided soft parts. It enters the opposite side of the sundered flesh even with the place whence it came forth, and afterward it appears through the skin about equally distant from the opposite edge of the wound. There is a hole near the point of the needle; through this opening a piece of strong twine or narrow tape is threaded; when, the instrument being withdrawn, the twine or tape is pulled into the puncture which has been made. The needle is then released, the suture being left in.
