148 Diseases of the Horse. 



stant fomentations or poultices, and sometimes blisters 

 will be needed. In these states it is occasionally a diffi- 

 cult thing to induce a proper formation of pus. Such is 

 found to exist in connection with a lax or feeble state of 

 the system, favouring diffused abscess or suppuration over 

 the body, and within the internal organs. If such an 

 animal lives he usually proves worthless. Good, food, 

 healthy habitations, and tonic medicines, particularly 

 iron, are then called for. 



In some instances the abscess lies at a great depth be- 

 low the surface. Considerable skill is required, first to 

 pronounce with certainty of its existence, and then to 

 reach and liberate the fluid without destroying the sur- 

 rounding parts or endangering the animal. The discovery 

 of a deep seated abscess is hardly likely to be made by 

 any but a skilful surgeon, and therefore calls for no fur- 

 ther allusion here. 



SEROUS CYST, otherwise known as serous abscess, is 

 commonly seen about the knees and fetlock joints. It 

 consists of a soft fluctuating tumour, without evidences of 

 heat or unusual tenderness, commonly the result of blows, 

 or the animal striking one limb with the foot of the oppo- 

 site side. The cavity is formed beneath the skin, which is 

 the only covering outwardly, and contains a thin fluid, 

 coloured by an admixture of blood discharged from a few 

 ruptured vessels, or transuded during engorgement in 

 the earlier stages. The cavity is lined by condensed cel- 

 lular tissue, which materially delays the process of absorp- 

 tion of the contents. 



Treatment consists of liberating the contents by means 

 of a bistoury or lancet, the former being preferable, by 

 which division is effected from end to end. A pad of 

 tow, saturated in healing fluid, is afterwards applied and 

 maintained with pressure, which secures healing of the 

 walls. Subsequent enlargement is to be removed by 

 iodine, &c. Great care is needed to discriminate be- 

 tween the serous cyst and bursal enlargements. The 

 latter have been opened by amateurs in mistake, involving 

 serious consequences. The results are violent inflamma- 

 tion, intense suffering, often with ultimate stiffening of 



