When the tissues are torn irregularly, the injury is classed as a
_lacerated wound_. A barb-wire cut is the best example of this class.

A _contused wound_ is an injury caused by a blunt object. Such injuries may
be divided into superficial and deep. Superficial-contused wounds may be an
abrasion to the skin or mucous surface. Deep-contused wounds may be
followed by loss of tissue or sloughing, and may present irregular, swollen
margins. Such injuries are commonly caused by kicks.

_Punctured wounds_ are many times deeper than the width of the opening or
break in the skin or mucous membrane. This class is produced by sharp
objects, such as nails, splinters of wood, and forks.

Sometimes, wounds are given special names, as gun-shot, poisoned, and open
joint, depending on the nature of the cause and region involved.

Bleeding or hemorrhage is the most constant symptom. The degree of
hemorrhage depends on the kind, number and size of the blood-vessels
severed. In arterial hemorrhage, the blood is bright red and spurts from
the mouth of the cut vessel. In venous hemorrhage, the blood is darker and
flows in a continuous stream. In abrasions and superficial wounds capillary
hemorrhage occurs. Death may follow severe hemorrhage. Weak pulse,
general weakness, vertigo, loss of consciousness and death may result if
one-third of the total quantity of blood is lost. Unthriftiness and general
debility may follow the loss of a less quantity of blood.

The following _symptoms_ may be noted in the different kinds of wounds: The
sensitiveness to the pain resulting from accidental or operative wounds
varies in the different individuals and species, and in the kind of tissue