4^0 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



rapid succession, it takes flie name of ulceration. If it' occurs in a 

 considerable part at once, it is called gangrene. If this death of the 

 tissues occurs deep in the organism, and the destro3'ed elements and 

 proliferated and dead cells are inclosed in a cavity, the result of the 

 process is called an abscess. When 'it occurs on a surface, it is an 

 ulcer, and an abscess b}^ breaking on the exterior becomes then also 

 an ulcer. Proliferating and dying cells, and the fluid which exudes 

 from an ulcerating surface and, the debris of broken-down tissue is 

 known as pus, and the process b}^ which this is formed is known as 

 suppuration. A mass of dead tissue in a soft part is termed u slough, 

 while the same in bone is called a sequestrum. Such changes are 

 especially likely to occur when the part becomes infected with micro- 

 organisms that have the property of destroying tissue and thus causing 

 the production of pus. These arc known as pyogenic microoi-ganisms. 

 There are also bacilli that are capable of multiplying in tissiies and so 

 irritating them as to cause them to die (necrose) without forming pus. 



TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION". 



The study of the causes and pathological alterations of inflammation 

 has shown the process to be one of hypernutrition, attended by exces- 

 sive blood supply, so this studj'' will indicate the primary factor to be 

 emplo3^ed in the treatment of it. Any agent which will reduce the 

 blood suppl}^ and prevent the excessive nutrition of the elements of 

 the part will serve as a remedy. The means emploj'ed ma}- be used 

 locally to the part, or they may be constitutional remedies, which act 

 indirecth\ 



Local treatment consists of — 



Removal of the coMse, as a stone in the frog, causing a traumatic 

 thrush; a badly fitting harness or saddle, causing ulcers of the skin; 

 decomposing manure and urine in a stable, which, by their vapors, 

 irritate the air tubes and lungs and cause a cough. These causes, if 

 removed, will frequentl}'^ allow the part to heal at once. 



Best. — Motion stimulates the action of the blood, and thus feeds 

 an inflamed tissue. This is alike applicable to a diseased point irritated 

 by movement, to an inflamed pair of lungs surcharged with blood by 

 the use demanded of them in a working animal, or to an inflamed eye 

 exposed to light, or an inflamed stomach and inteslines still further 

 fatigued by food. Absolute quiet, a dark stable, and small quantities 

 of easily digested food will often cure serious inflammatory troubles 

 without further treatment. 



Cold. — The application of ice bags or cold water by bandages, 

 douching with a hose, or irrigation with dripping water, contracts the 

 blood vessels, acts as a sedative to the nerves, and lessens the vitality 

 of a part; it consequently prevents the tissue change which inflamma- 

 tion produces. 



