he growth of
anaerobic bacteria.

Open joints caused by punctures, unless the puncture is aseptic,
produce a swelling which is more painful than is the open wound
which exposes the joint to view. Especially is this true if the
puncture is of small diameter, allowing the tissues to partially
close the opening immediately after the wound has been made. Where
drainage is lacking there follows an exudation which congests the
tissues surrounding the injury and all factors favoring germ growth
are present. It is perhaps advisable to establish good drainage in
such cases as soon as a diagnosis is made.

It is not always an easy matter to recognize an open-joint, when
first made, but twelve to twenty-four hours later there is no cause
for doubt. The condition is then a very painful one; lameness is
excessive; there is rise in temperature; acceleration of the pulse
and manipulation or palpation of the region affected, occasions
great pain.

The treatment of open joints must be varied to suit the disposition
of the animal, the nature and location of the injury, the length of
time intervening between the infliction of the wound and the first
attention given, and the surroundings in which the patient is kept.

In each and every case in which there exists an open wound the
surface surrounding the wound is cleansed thoroughly, the hair is
shaved if possible, and the margin of the wound is curretted and
cleansed thoroughly with antiseptic solutions.

If there is evidence that the articulation contains infective
material, it is washed out with copious quantities of peroxide of
hydrogen--usually as much as six or eight ounces. This is followed
by injection of an ounce or two of tincture of iodin. Even though
the joint appears to be clean some tincture of iodin is used, as it
checks the secretion of synovia and is, in every way, beneficial.
Care is taken to apply the iodin also to the surface immediately
surrounding the wound. The entire wound is then covered with a
dusting powder composed of zinc oxide, boric acid, exsiccated alum,
phenol and camphor.

This powder is used in abundance and the wound is then covered with
a heavy layer of absorbent cotton and well bandaged. This bandage
is not disturbed for at least three days and may be left in place