272 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



very obstinate in character. The condition may persist until 

 pus forms, and after a time the abscess may burst spon- 

 taneously. The formation of pus in the parts is indicated 

 by the usual symptoms. There may also be more or less 

 knuckling of the fetlock-joint. It may be due to rheuma- 

 tism following influenza. 



Interfering. — Interfering, although very simple in itself, 

 frequently, on account of the presence of other conditions, 

 improper treatment, etc., becomes very troublesome. Often, 

 in consequence of the application of irritating lotions, hot 

 liniments, etc., inflammation occurs, and the condition 

 becomes one very difficult to treat. In some cases, while 

 the skin may not be broken, the deeper tissues are bruised, 

 causing inflammation and the formation of pus. Occa- 

 sionally a case is met with, more especially in winter, where 

 the animal stands with the limb slightly flexed, has been lame 

 in a slight degree for some time, but the lameness has 

 become greatly increased, and the animal moves with difficulty. 

 On handling the parts the presence of heat is discovered, and 

 the animal evinces considerable pain. By a careful exami- 

 nation fluctuation may be detected. The swelling is 

 generally on the inside, the injury, usually occurring in 

 the neighbourhood of the fetlock, being inflicted by the 

 foot of the opposite side. In some cases the hair may be 

 readily detached with the fingers, or even falls ofl" of its 

 own accord. 



Treatment. — Where the above symptoms are presented, 

 the parts should be opened by means of a lancet, and 

 the pus allowed to escape, after which a poultice may be 

 applied, and weak astringent and anodyne Jotions used 

 until the wound heals. The evacuation of an abscess in 

 this region by means of a lancet must be accomplished 

 with a great deal of care, as an imperfect knowledge of 

 anatomy or an unsteady hand may cause irretrievable 



