A BSCESSES — A DMINISTERTNG MEDICINE 



bitch picking up some food which may cause her to abort, 

 and hence the extreme importance of always burning, or 

 in some way entirely destroying, anything that may come 

 away from a mare, cow, or other animal which has slipped 

 her young. (See Breeding, Brood-Bitchy Sterility,) 



Abscesses comprise a form of trouble of which dogs 

 are often the victims, as these swellings result from various 

 causes, such as bites or injuries to internal organs through 

 swallowing sharp-pointed bones, which are contributed to 

 by the habits of the canine race. In all cases there is con- 

 siderable tenderness whilst matter is forming, but relief can 

 be obtained by applying poultices to the swelling if it is 

 in an accessible position. When the abscess has become 

 soft and "ripe" it should be opened, and after the pus has 

 been gently squeezed out it ought to be cleansed with some 

 antiseptic lotion. It is necessary that the wound should be 

 kept covered if possible for a few days in order to keep it 

 clean and wholesome, as if dirt or any foreign substance 

 gets into it the consequences may be serious. (See Anti- 

 septic Dressings y Poultices?) 



Accidents are very fruitful sources of trouble to dog- 

 owners, as, independently of the evil effects of fighting, the 

 animals are apt to meet with injuries through being run 

 over, or from kicks, blows, tears, cuts, and other causes. 

 Unfortunately, too, dogs are not as a rule at all good 

 patients, as their natural desire to be on the move fre- 

 quently retards a cure, whilst they are not easily prevented 

 from licking wounds and thereby preventing them from 

 healing, and they also possess a vexatious propensity for 

 tearing off bandages. (See Bandaging^ Bites, Cuts, Fractures^ 

 Nursing,) 



Administering Medicine. — Some dogs give no trouble 

 at all when they are being physicked, whilst in the case of 

 others it is just the contrary. When medicine has to be 



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