OF FARRIERY. 



173 



above, the resolution of the inflannmation will 

 in general begin to take place either in the 

 course of three or four days, or in a shorter 

 space of time. At all events, it may usually 

 be known, before the expiration of this period, 

 how the disorder will terminate. If the heat, 

 pain, and other attending symptoms abate, 

 and especially if the tumour begins to de- 

 crease, we may then be almost certain, that 

 by a continuance of the same plan, a total 

 resolution will in time be effected. 



On the other hand, when all the different 

 symptoms increase, and particularly when the 

 tumour becomes larger and softish, attended 

 with a more violent throbbing pain, we may 

 then conclude that the case will proceed to 

 suppuration. Hence, an immediate change of 

 treatment is indicated ; and such applications as 

 were proper while resolution seemed practi- 

 cable, are to be left off, and others substituted. 

 This remark relates to the employment of cold 



astringent remedies, which when suppuration 

 is inevitable, only do harm, by retarding what 

 cannot be avoided, and affording no relief of the 

 pain and other symptoms. If the inflammation, 

 however, should be already treated with emol- 

 lients, no alteration of the topical applications 

 is requisite, in consequence of the inevitability 

 of the formation of matter. Indeed, emollient 

 poultices and fomentations are the chief local 

 means, both of promoting suppuration, and 

 diminishing pain, violent throbbing, &c., which 

 always precede this termination of inflamma- 

 tion. 



When the system is too much reduced by 

 the injudicious continuance of the rigorous 

 antiphlogistic treatment, the progress of the 

 ensuing suppuration is always retarded in a 

 disadvantageous manner, and the animal 

 becomes too weak to support either a ionff 

 continued, or a profuse discharge, which it 

 may not be possible to avoid. 



2 X 



