290 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 



application of a caustic to the part will sometimes quickly suc- 

 ceed ; and, indeed, this should also be tried in cases of longer 

 standing, — the hot iron being the best mode of application. 

 Sometimes it is necessary to obliterate the functions of the 

 parotid gland, Avhich Mr. Percival has accomplished by the 

 injection of a liquid caustic; and to whose work I beg to refer 

 for a lengthened account of the disease. — Ed.] 



\^An Abscess 



Is a collection of matter in the membranes under the skin, 

 frequently the effect of a bi'uise, but sometimes an effort of 

 nature to throw off somethino- detrimental to the constitution. 



When there is reason to believe that matter is forminij;, we 

 should hasten it by poultices or fomentations. We may judge 

 whether matter is collected under the skin, by placing the fingers 

 of one hand on the swelling, and, with those of the other, tap- 

 ping it lightly at another part, when the undulation of a fluid 

 will be distinctly felt; and if matter is contained, the animal 

 will generally evince pain on pressure. On pressing an abscess 

 with the fingers, no marks will be left as in dropsical swellings. 



After some time, the abscess points, as it is termed ; that is, 

 the matter approaches the surface at one point in particular, at 

 which part, if left alone, the skin being gradually thinned by 

 absorption at length bursts. Before this takes place, it is better 

 to open the abscess; because the external wound will thereby 

 be lt>ss, and also because we can choose the best place for the 

 opening, which should be at the lowest part of the abscess. The 

 opening should be made with a lancet, and should be large, so 

 that it may not heal very rapidly, and the matter being eva- 

 cuated by pressure with the hands requires no tents or ointments, 

 but generally heals rapidly with little further assistance. Some- 

 times, however, the ulcer, as it then becomes, is ill conditioned, 

 and does not heal. It will then be necessary to inject some 

 stimulating application, such as a solution of sulphate of copper, 

 or of zinc ; and if any sinuses have formed, to lay them open 

 with the knife. — Ed.] 



Serous Abscess, Capped Hocks, Capnlets, §'c. 



[Sometimes we find that the contents of an abscess are of a 

 watery nature. It is then called a serous abscess, and though 

 productive of less pain than if pus is secreted, its cure is 

 attended with greater difficulty. It does not point like a 

 common abscess, nor is it so circumscribed, but often extends 

 itself very considerably. It is generally situated imder the 

 fascia? of the muscles or cellular membrane, as well as the skin. 

 It is usually produced by blows or external injuries, and we often 



