INFLAMMATION AND WOUNDS 205 



for the tissues to return to the normal varies from a few hours 

 to several weeks. An acute inflammation may end in the chronic 

 form. This may then terminate in new formations, such as 

 adhesions, fibrous thickenings and bony enlargements. Severe 

 inflammation, especially if localized and superficial, may re- 

 sult in death of the part or gangrene. 



The following treatment is recommended: The cause of 

 the irritation to the tissue must be removed. It is very essential 

 that the part be rested. The necessary rest may be obtained 

 in different ways. Inflamed tendons, ligaments, and muscles 

 may be rested by placing the animal in a sling, standing it in a 

 stall, or fixing the part with bandages. Eest of the stomach or 

 intestinal tract may be obtained by feeding a light diet, or 

 withholding all feed. Comfortable quarters, special care and 

 dieting the animal are important factors in the treatment of 

 inflammation. 



The agents used in the treatment of superficial and localized 

 inflammation are heat, cold, massage and counter-irritation. 

 Heat is indicated in all inflammations, excepting when of 

 bacterial origin. It stimulates the circulation and reabsorption 

 of the inflammatory exudates, und by relaxing the tissues helps 

 greatly in relieving pain. Cold is more eft'ective in the highly 

 acute and septic (suppurative) inflammation. Its action con- 

 sists principally in the contraction of the dilated blood-vessels. 

 Continuous irrigation of the part with cold water is the most 

 satisfactory method of applying cold. Massage is a very im- 

 portant method of treating superficial inflammation. Mild, 

 stimulating liniments are usually used in connection with hand- 

 rubbing or friction. Chronic inflammation is usually treated 

 with counter-irritants. Blistering and firing are the most 

 important methods of treatment. Such counter-irritation makes 

 possible the absorption of the inflammatory exudates by chang- 

 ing the chronic inflammation to the acute form. 



Wounds. — A wound, in the restricted sense that the term is 



