192 CHAPTER 20. 



of the " remedy " is not unlikely to cause an excessive amount of irri- 

 tation, especially if the patient be of a highly nervous temperament. 



390a. Thermo Cautery. 



Firing by Thermo Cautery is popular in France, being found to give 

 excellent results. In this method of firing the heat is applied to the 

 subcutaneous tissue by means of a platinum tube heated by a spirit lamp 

 at its base. The instrument can be procured from Griallot, 4, Boulevard 

 St. Martin's, Paris (Bourquet's patent). 



If properly used very little blemish results. It is most suitable for 

 use in exostoses (bony enlargements) clear of joints or of sufficient size 

 to avoid any risk of penetrating them. It must be confessed, however, 

 that this implement is safe only in the hands of a skilful operator. 



391. Application cf Irritants. 



We have described above in general terms the action and mode of the 

 application of the various Irritants commonly used in Veterinary prac- 

 tice. 



The important question now arises, namely, what irritant should be 

 employed in each case? 



The answer to this question will be found more or less in succeeding 

 Chapters, under the head of the treatment of the various diseases and 

 injuries to which horses are subject. 



CHAPTER 20. 



ABSCESSES. 



392. Nature of an Abscess. 393. Heathy Pus. 394. Unhealthy Pus. 

 395. Mode of formation of an Abscess. 396. Treatment. 397. Modes of 

 opening Abscesses. 398. Various kinds of Abscesses. 399. Sinus. 400. 

 Serous Abscesses. 400a. Capped Elbow. 



392. Nature of an Abscess. 



An abscess signifies a collection of pus in any of the tissues or organs 

 of the body. In structure an abscess consists of an accumulation of pus, 

 in the midst of and surrounded by a membranous layer of lymph, which 

 constitutes the walls of the abscess. This wall varies in thickness and 

 consistence, being in some cases scarcely perceptible and in other cases 

 forming the larger part of the abscess. 



