sis, is, first, to shave all hair from the area
surrounding the wound, following with a thorough cleansing of the
skin and disinfection of the wound, and then to inject a twenty per
cent Lugol's solution in glycerin into the wound. This should be
repeated two or three times a day, each time enough of the solution
being injected to fill the joint capsule, thereby securing the
flushing effect. As this solution does not cause irritation to the
tissue and yet is a strong antiseptic, it serves to shorten the
period of congestion and inflammation and to overcome the infection
without causing a destruction of the secreting membrane until the
external wound has had time to heal. The injection of this solution
seems to retard the excessive secretion of synovia. The larger the
joint capsule and the smaller the external wound, the longer our
antiseptic will remain in contact with the inflamed tissues as the
glycerin, being thick, does not flow through a small opening.
After-care.--Following the initial cleansing and treatment of open
joint, subsequent dressing is necessary as frequently as conditions
demand. If the parts are badly infected and profuse discharge of pus
exists a daily change of dressings is necessary. In the average
instance, however, semi-weekly treatments are sufficient. And in many
instances where one is obliged to travel a considerable distance to
handle the affected animal one weekly dressing of the wound will suffice
after the second treatment.
The same general plan of treatment concerning the subject's comfort that
has been previously mentioned in arthritis, is carried out here. A
further and detailed consideration of the subject of handling of open
joints follows.[20]
* * * Such wounds may be classified in two general groups as
follows: First, wounds in which the trauma has exposed the
articulation to view, and second, those the result of punctures, in
which the external wound is small and free drainage is lacking.
Wounds in which the articulation is exposed to view have drainage
either all ready provided for, or it is established without
hesitancy surgically. With free drainage thus established there is
little or no chance for the adjacent tissues to become infiltrated
with infected wound discharge. This prevents an extension of the
injury and the establishment of a good field for t
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