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 the 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