12 THE VETERINARIAN 



Symptoms : Symptoms will vary, of course, according 

 to the development of the disease. It may not be noticed 

 at first, but upon careful examination small tortuous 

 lines will be observed running from the point of irrita- 

 tion. In many cases a swelling is noticed which is hot, 

 painful and throbbing and enlarges rapidly. In two or 

 three days the soreness and heat gradually subside, but 

 the abscess continues to grow. The hair falls from the 

 affected parts and in a short time the abscess discharges, 

 and the cavity gradually fills up and heals by granula- 

 tion. 



Tkeatment : In all cases hasten the repairing process 

 as much as possible by applying hot water packs or hot 

 bran, flaxseed or vegetable poultices. It is common with 

 veterinarians to lance an abscess as soon as possible, but 

 this requires skill and practice. I could not advise stock- 

 owners to perform this operation, as it requires exact 

 knowledge of anatomy. It will usually be found a safe 

 plan to encourage the full ripening of an abscess and 

 allow it to open of its own accord, as it will heal much 

 better and quicker and you take no chances of infection 

 with an instrument. When opened do not squeeze the 

 abscess to any extent, but press gently with clean hands 

 or cloth, to remove the clot, and after this simply keep 

 open by washing the abscess with a three per cent Car- 

 bolic Acid solution or Bichloride of Mercury, one part 

 to one thousand parts of water. When an animal has 

 abscesses it is well to give the following blood purifiers 

 or internal antiseptics: Hyposulphite of Soda, eight 

 ounces ; Potassi Iodide, one ounce. Mix well and make 

 into eight powders and give one powder twice daily in 

 drinking water, or place in gelatin capsule and admin- 

 ister with capsule gun. This prescription will prevent 

 the absorption of impurities from the abscess into the 

 blood. 



