These may come from the same _causes_ as fractures and though less
violent may occasion inflammation which involves the eye or even the
brain with fatal results. Thus in horses it has been a cause of
infective inflammation, with a fatal extension (Robellet); in cattle a
similar inflammation has extended to the cerebral meninges and caused
death (Leblanc), and in dogs an advance to the eyeball threatens its
destruction (Möller). Short of this necrosis is not uncommon (Rey).
_Treatment._ This does not differ materially from that demanded by
penetrating wounds with fracture. A perfect cleansing and antisepsis of
the wound is the first demand. A solution of boric acid (4 per cent.) or
of mercuric chloride (1 ∶ 5000) liberally applied, and maintained
thereafter on soft pledgets of surgical cotton, will often have the best
results. All foreign bodies must be carefully removed, lacerated flaps
and shreds may require suturing, dead portions excision, and finally
abscesses or excessive exudate may require the lance, but cooling,
antiseptic lotions and an elevated position of the head, are among the
most prominent resorts.