Part 15 (2/2)

_Another._

Chloride of lime, 1 ounce.

Water, 1 pint.

_Another._

Chloride of soda, 1 ounce.

Water, 6 ounces.

The affected parts should be often bathed with one of these washes. If the disease is not arrested by these means, repeat them, and put the animal on a diet of flour gruel.

OPEN JOINT.

Joints are liable to external injury from wounds or bruises, and, although a joint may not be open in the first instance, subsequent sloughing may expose its cavity. The ordinary effects of disease in membranes covering joints are, a profuse discharge of joint oil, (_synovia_,) and a thickening of the synovial membrane. Sometimes the joint is cemented together; it is then termed anchylosis.

_Treatment._--The first object is, to promote adhesion, by bringing the edges of the wound together, and confining them in contact by st.i.tches.

A pledget of lint or linen, previously moistened with tincture of myrrh, should then be bound on with a bandage forming a figure 8 around the joint. If the parts feel hot and appear inflamed, apply a bandage, which may be kept constantly wet with cold water. If adhesion of the parts does not take place, apply the following:--

Powdered bayberry bark, 1 ounce.

Fir balsam, sufficient to form a thick, tenacious ma.s.s, which may be spread thickly over the wound; lastly, a bandage. Should a fetid discharge take place, poultice with

Powdered charcoal, } equal parts.

” bayberry, }

In cases where the nature of the injury will not admit of the wounded edges being kept in contact, and a large surface is exposed, we must promote granulation by keeping the parts clean, and by the daily application of fir balsam. Unhealthy granulations may be kept down by touching them with burnt alum, or sprinkling on their surface powdered bloodroot. The author has treated several cases, in which there was no hope of healing by the first intention, by the daily use of tincture of capsic.u.m, together with tonic, stimulating, astringent, antiseptic poultices and fomentations, as the case seemed to require, and they always terminated favorably. In all cases of injury to joints, rest and a light diet are indispensable.

SWELLINGS OF JOINTS.

Swellings frequently arise from bruises and strains; they are sometimes, however, connected with a rheumatic affection, caused by cold, exposure to rain, or turning an animal into wet pasture lands after active exercise. In the acute stage, known by tenderness, unnatural heat, and lameness, the animal should be put on a light diet of scalded shorts, &c.; the parts to be frequently bathed with cold water; and, if practicable, a bandage may be pa.s.sed around the limb, and kept moist with the same. If the part still continues painful, take four ounces of arnica flowers, moisten them with boiling water, when cool, bind them around the part, and let them remain twenty-four hours. This seldom fails. On the other hand, should the parts be in a chronic state, which may be recognized by inactivity, coldness, &c., then the following embrocation will restore the lost tone:--

Oil of wormwood, 1 ounce.

” ” cedar, 1 ounce.

Hot drops, 4 ounces.

Vinegar, 1 pint.

Mix, and rub the part faithfully night and morning. Friction with the hand or a brush will materially a.s.sist to cure. In all cases where suppuration has commenced, and matter can be distinctly felt, the sooner the following poultice shall be applied, the better:--

Powdered slippery elm, } equal parts.

” linseed, }

Boiling water sufficient to moisten; then add a wine-gla.s.s of vinegar.

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