DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 71 



tion can be felt a free opening must be made and the abscess washed 

 with a solution of bichloride mercury 1-1000, or creolin 1-50. If the 

 gland does not suppurate, the enlargement may be reduced by tinc- 

 ture of iodine applied twice daily. 



LYMPHANGITIS. 



(Plate XIII.) 



Inflammation of the lymphatic structures, usually affecting the 

 hind leg, very seldom the fore leg. This disease is very sudden in its 

 attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a, high temperature and 

 great general disturbance. 



Causes. — It usually attacks well-fed animals, especially after one 

 or two days' rest, and in such cases may be due to an excess of nu- 

 tritious elements in the blood. It may also result from an infected 

 wound. 



Symptoms. — The first symptom noticed will be lameness in one leg 

 and swelling on the inside of the thigh. The swelling gradually sur- 

 rounds the whole limb, continuing downward until it reaches the 

 foot. The limb is excessively tender to the touch and is held up. 

 The breathing is increased, pulse hard and quick (80 to 100), and the 

 temperature may reach 106°. The bowels early become constipated 

 and the urine scanty and high colored. Occasionally the lymphatic 

 glands in the groin undergo suppuration, blood poisoning may super- 

 vene and prove fatal. 



Treatment. — Fomentations with warm water, to be continued for 

 one hour and repeated several times daily. Give a physic composed 

 of 6 to 8 drams of aloes, 1 dram ginger, and water to make a ball. 

 Give at once. After the physic has operated give ^-ounce doses of 

 nitrate of potash twice daily. After the pain diminishes, moderate 

 exercise and hand rubbing will be of benefit. If the glands sup- 

 purate, open, and wash them out with an antiseptic. The irrigations 

 must be continued until the gland is well. 



If caused by a wound, similar treatment should be pursued, 

 together with thorough disinfection of the wound. If, after one 

 week, the swelling still remains, give potassium iodide, 2 drams, 

 twice daily until it is reduced. 



