ases, in accordance with the peculiarities of structure in
the joint specially involved, as, for example, it is obvious that a
better result may be expected from treatment when but a single joint,
with only its plain articular surfaces, is the place of injury, than in
one which is composed of several bones, united in a complex formation,
as in the knee or hock. As severe a lesion as suppurative synovitis
always is, and as frequently fatal as it proves to be, still cases arise
in which, the inflammation assuming a modified character and at length
subsiding, the lesion terminates favorably and leaves the animal with a
comparatively sound and useful joint. There are cases, however, which
terminate in no more favorable a result than the union of the bones and
occlusion of the joint, to form an anchylosis, which is scarcely a
condition to justify a high degree of satisfaction, as it insures a
permanent lameness with very little capacity for usefulness.

Appreciating now the dangers associated with all wounds of
articulations, however simple and apparently slight, and how serious and
troublesome are the complications which are liable to arise during their
progress and treatment, we are prepared to understand and realize the
necessity and the value of early and prompt attention upon their
discovery and diagnosis.

_Treatment._--For simple bruises, like those which appear in the form of
broken knees or of carpitis, simple remedies, such as warm fomentations
or cold-water applications and compresses of astringent mixtures,
suggest themselves at once. Injuries of a more complicated character, as
lacerations of the skin or tearing of soft structures, will also be
benefited by simple dressings with antiseptic mixtures, as those of the
carbolic-acid order. The escape of synovia should suggest the prompt use
of collodion dressings to check the flow and prevent the further escape
of the fluid. But if the discharge is abundant and heavily suppurative,
little can be done more than to put in practice the "expectant" method
with warm fomentations, repeatedly applied, and soothing, mucilaginous
poultices. Improvement, if any is possible, will be but slow to manifest
itself. The most difficult of all things to do, in view of varying
interests and opinions--that is, in a practical sense--is to abstain
from "doing" entirely, and yet in the cases we are considering we are
firmly convinced that noninterference is the best and wisest policy.