434 LOCAL INFLAMMATION. 



of itself. In some cases, neither of the before-mentioned 

 terminations ensue , and then the pus from being confined, 

 and exposed to the internal heat of the body, becomes in- 

 spissated, being more or less hard, varying from the density 

 of a stone to that of cream cheese. When an abscess is 

 forming, it occasions great constitutional disturbance. The 

 pulse throbs ; the pain is shooting ; the spirits are dejected ; 

 the head aches ; and the whole appearance is expressive of 

 extreme wretchedness. Give the horse, then, all the corn 

 he will eat, beans, linseed, roots, or any thing he may pre- 

 fer. Horn down a couple of pots of porter daily ; and 

 give every night and morning one of the sulphuric ether 

 drinks previously alluded to. So soon as the abscess 

 comes to the surface, and one part feels softer, or is more 

 prominent than another, open the place with a sharp 

 pointed knife : insert it gently into the soft or prominent 

 part, and when all resistance is overcome, we may be cer- 

 tain the sides of the sac are cut through ; then, with a bold 

 sweep of the knife, make a long or short incision from 

 within outwards, as you may have before resolved upon. 

 Occasionally the abscess is deep-seated, and we are asked 

 to look at a tumour, all the active stages of which have 

 subsided. It then requires much consideration, very great 

 nicety of touch, and a sharp eye, to determine whether the 

 swelling contain pus or not. Perhaps an exploring needle 

 is, in these cases, the best ; and if this should after 

 being inserted, be drawn forth coated with pus, the operator 

 need no longer hesitate about opening it. Sometimes, 

 when the pus is released from these deep-seated tumours, 

 the stench declares it has been confined so long as to 

 become absolutely putrid. 



Ploughing. — This is the process, by means of which 

 nature casts off parts whose vitality, in consequence of 

 bruises, gangrene, &c. is lost. It takes place similar to 

 suppuration. The healthy part inflames, casts out a thin 

 layer of lymph between the living and the dead portions of 

 the body. Vessels penetrate this lymph. They raise its 

 surface into little pimples called granulations ; which are very 

 vascular, bleeding on the slightest touch, and highly sen- 

 sitive, scarcely bearing to be looked at. The granulations 

 secrete pus, and by this means the dead part is cast off; or 



