112 Diseases of the Dog. 



suspension of function in the contiguous structures, as 

 well as in the integral parts of the blood itself. Acute 

 Inflammation is characterised by severity and activity ; it 

 is ato?tic or subacute, when by reason of low vital force it 

 proves slow or tardy. Closely allied to this state is a 

 peculiarity of the circulation, common to the larger organs 

 having abundant vessels and elastic tissue, known as 

 Congestion. It is sudden in its origin and departure, 

 sometimes attended with dropsical states, and is probably 

 confined to the venous system. 



Inflammation terminates in various ways — viz., Resolu- 

 tion^ or gradual decline, the parts shortly regaining their 

 original state ; in suppuration, or the formation oipus^ in 

 some cases discharged from the surface of membranes, as 

 in catarrh, or otherwise collected within a cavity between 

 muscles, or in deep-seated tissues, when it is known as an 

 abscess ; in effusion from the surface of membranes, as 

 water (serum), or mucus, or by lymph within or between 

 structures inflamed, by which permanent union, thicken- 

 ing and enlargement is the result. Inflammation is further 

 distinguished by the structures involved : thus, we have 

 serous and ??iucous inflammation, as the serous and mucous 

 membranes are implicated; when the substance of organs 

 is the seat, it is known as pare?ichymatous ; if it seizes the 

 ligaments, tendons, and coverings of joints, it is rheu- 

 matic ; and inflammation of the skin and deeper-seated 

 tissues is termed erysipelatous. 



Treatment of Inflammation may be local ox general. 

 The former consists of liberating the vessels of the afl"ected 

 parts by scarificatiofi or slight incisions across the surface 

 by means of a small lancet, as in conjunctival ophthalmia, 

 or by means of blisters, the hot iron, &c., in the case of 

 important organs. General treatment consists of attack- 

 ing the system by internal remedies known to be effica- 

 cious in controlling the circulation and nervous force. 



Abscess. — The collection of pus, or matter, within a 

 cavity in soft parts of the body, is termed an abscess. The 

 si;7ns are heat, unusual tenderness, and defined swelling ; 

 and as the process of ])us formation matures, the swelling 

 and tende»"ness are confined to the central part, which 



