430 LOCAL INFLAMMATION. 



pulse is from the first quick and small ; then intermits, and 

 the animal sinks to rise no more. 



Dissections of these cases do not always present appear- 

 ances commensurate with the violence of the symptoms. 

 In some, the whole alimentary canal has presented gan- 

 grenous appearances of great extent, when the sufferings 

 were not apparently intense, and when even hopes were 

 entertained of amendment. In others, spots of an inflam- 

 matory hue have been dispersed over the villous surfaces of 

 the stomach and intestines, at considerable distances from 

 each other ; and yet the sufferings during the disease were 

 extreme. 



No treatment we can offer promises much, for a veil is 

 commonly drawn over the case ; and when otherwise, the 

 time usually lost before assistance is sought precludes much 

 hope. If an early application be made, our efforts should 

 be first directed to dilute the poisonous matter, and at the 

 same time to weaken its potency. Alkalies have been sup- 

 posed the best means to fulfil the second intention ; as an 

 ounce of the bicarbonate of potash, mixed with a quart of 

 gruel, frequently repeated ; that is, so fast as the animal 

 can be made to swallow it. Orfila, however, recommends 

 in these cases, particularly such as arise from corrosive 

 sublimate, entangling the poisonous matter in the white of 

 eggs. Back-rake, administer clysters, and with whatever 

 is meant for the stomach mingle large quantities of lauda- 

 num, one ounce to every quart. 



LOCAL INFLAMMATION. 



The principles and doctrine of inflammation have been so 

 fully treated of at the commencement, under the head of 

 General Inflammation, that we shall only now introduce the 

 practical inferences to be drawn therefrom, with such par- 

 ticular observations as immediately connect it with the 

 surgical part of our subject. A very attentive consideration 

 of these principles is necessary to a successful practice, as 

 many of the local diseases of the animal have their founda- 

 tion in inflammation. 



Local inflammation is characterized by heat, redness, 

 tension, or swelling, and by tenderness in the part affected. 

 According as such inflammation is considerable or incon- 



