232 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



iil)plications of an anodyne or soothing character are to be 

 appHed, as camphorated liniment, etc., in the endeavour to 

 arrest inflammation and prevent the formation of pus. A 

 cold-water douche, where it can be arranged, will be found 

 of great value in allaying pain and reducing inflammation. 

 If the case has not progressed too far, the above treatment will 

 often be successful. In many cases an enlargement remains 

 after the swelling has subsided : its reduction may generally 

 be effected by the application of the ungt. iodi., a stimulating 

 embrocation, or a mild vesicant. When the disease has passed 

 beyond a certain point and it is evident that it cannot be 

 arrested in its course, suppuration is to be encouraged. Warm 

 water should be freely applied. Poultices of bran, linseed 

 meal, turnips, etc., will also be found useful, the object 

 being to keep the parts moist and warm, by which means 

 the formation of pus will be facilitated and pain and irritation 

 alla3'ed. When the presence of pus is indicated by fluctua- 

 tion, pointing, etc., the abscess should be laid open and its 

 contents allowed to escape. The abscess should have an orifice 

 at its most dependent part, to allow of proper drainage. 

 All sinuses are to be explored, and freely laid open with the 

 knife where such a proceeding is feasible. In other cases a 

 few grains of hydrarg. cor. may be inserted. It sets up 

 considerable irritation and a slough ensues, which usually 

 results in a cure ; or a solution as follows may be used : 

 hydrarg. perchlor. grs, v. — x., aquse 31., with which the 

 sinuses are to be injected. In all cases where it is necessary 

 to use the knife it should be used freely, and if the liga- 

 mentum nuchse is diseased it may be necessary to divide it. 

 The result will be a gaping wound, presenting a frightful 

 appearance, and the head will drop more or less ; but this 

 need not occasion any alarm. It is usually necessary to 

 cast the patient before using the knife. Sometimes consi- 

 derable hjemorrhage, ensues but it is usually from unimpor- 



