DIFFUSED OR GENERAL INFLAMMATION. 273 



DIFFUSED OR GENERAL INFLAMMATION IN HORSES, &C. 



Inflammation is a diseased state of the capillaries. Some 

 authors have regarded these vessels as in a condition of 

 excitability, but if contractility be a sign of life, the re- 

 verse must argue a loss of vitality. During inflammation 

 the dimensions of the capillary vessels are enlarged ; in con- 

 sequence more blood passes through them ; to make up the 

 demand for more blood the heart's action is increased, and 

 more is propelled through the body. The blood passing- 

 through the capillaries gives forth caloric, and hence the 

 inflamed part is hot. The increased quantity of the fluid 

 distends the capillaries, and causes them to press with force 

 upon the nerves, hence the part is enlarged and tender ; the 

 quantity of red blood traversing an inflamed part causes it 

 to be red, hence redness is one of the symptoms of inflam- 

 mation. However, the horse being a thick-skinned animal, 

 and its skin being covered with hair, the last sign is not 

 usually perceptible in him ; but when it is situated in a thin 

 and naked membrane, as that of the nostrils or of the eyes, 

 we are then made sensible that colour is not wanting to 

 characterize inflammation in the horse. 



Inflammation is divided into diftused and local. Diffused 

 inflammation is aggravated fever. Local inflammation is 

 beheld when a part is injured, and inflammation, confined to 

 the spot which has been hurt, ensues. 



Inflammation is further characterized as acute and chronic. 

 The acute kind is best illustrated by abdominal inflamma- 

 tion ; which is sometimes so acute, or quick and active, as to 

 run its course and terminate in death within nine hours 

 from the commencement of its attack. Chronic inflamma- 

 tion is aptly shown in the diseases to which bones and liga- 

 ments are subjected ; which, though painful, are usually a long 

 time before they either yield to medicine or destroy the life. 



Inflammation is further spoken of as healthy and un- 

 healthy. It is of the healthy kind when a horse receives a 

 gash upon any part of the body, and the lips of the wound, 

 upon being brought nicely together adhere, and through 

 inflammation repair the injury ; or when the wound granu- 

 lates, and throws out pus, and by this kind of inflammatory 

 process restores the loss of substance. It is witnessed, of 



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