Diseases of the Dog. 113 



becomes first moist, then denuded of hair, and, later, by 

 internal absorption or ulceration of the skin; the contents, 

 now become fluid, are readily felt by the fingers. In- 

 ternal pressure, the result of pus formation, and the action 

 of contiguous muscles, &c., now causes the abscess to 

 bulge outwards, and ultimately forces the skin at the 

 weakest part, when the contents are evacuated. 



Treatment. — The maturation of an abscess often causes 

 much pain and systemic disturbance, and to avoid this 

 the surgeon, after investigation, detecting the presence of 

 pus, hastens the process of recovery by plunging a lancet 

 through the point where maturation is evident. Thus, 

 as a rule, ends the malady. With the evacuation of the 

 contents healing proceeds rapidly and safely, all that is 

 required being the usual means of cleanliness to prevent 

 the accumulation of dried pus or dirt around the orifice. 

 In the case of deep-seated abscesses, or those situate 

 below or between muscles some distance from the surface, 

 much judgment and skill are required in order to decide 

 upon the exact locality, and the requisite form of surgical 

 treatment which can neither be understood nor practised 

 by an amateur, and, therefore, calls for no farther comment 

 here. 



Serous Cyst, otherwise known as Serous Abscess, is 

 mostly located superficially, and is the result of blows, 

 falls, or severe local pressure. It is not of frequent 

 occurrence in the dog, neither serious in its nature nor 

 consequences. The contents being serum or a red-coloured 

 fluid, having the density of water or thereabouts, the 

 produce of the blood-vessels involved in the injury, the 

 accumulation is regulated by the surface involved. Ab- 

 sorption of the contents is also delayed by the formation 

 of a dense lining membrane of cellular tissue, and the 

 swelling may remain for weeks or months. 



Treatment consists of liberating the contents of the sac 

 by means of a lancet or curved bistoury. The former is 

 plunged through the centre, and the orifice widened as 

 the instrument is withdrawn. The bistoury is preferable, 

 being passed through the skin on one side and across to 

 the opposite, when it emerges ; it is then turned edge 



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