12 VETERINARY LECTURES 



character). Again, the temperament and condition of different 

 animals influence the nature and degree of the inflammation. In 

 strong, robust, and well-fed animals the attack may be of a sthenic, 

 or high order, marked by morbid overaction ; whilst in old, ill-fed, 

 and weakly constitutioned subjects, the nature of the attack is likely 

 to be of an asthenic, or low character, marked by weakness, thus 

 showing how important the study of all these variations is to the 

 trained practitioner, as they require entirely different modes of 

 treatment. No one would think of treating a strong, robust, well- 

 fed animal in the same way as he would a weak, debilitated one, 

 although both may be suffering from the same complaint and show 

 the same temperature. Our great object and aim is to bring the 

 inflammation to its most favourable termination with the least 

 destruction of tissue or life. The terminations of inflammation are 

 said to be — (i) Resolution, (2) exudation and adhesion, (3) effusion, 

 (4) suppuration, (5) ulceration, and (6) gangrene or mortification (death of 

 a part). Some writers object to the phrase ' terminations of inflam- 

 mation,' and use instead the words ' results ' or ' effects.' 



24. Resolution. — Resolution means the subsidence of the 

 morbid process. Our greatest endeavour should be to get the 

 inflammatory action to this termination, as being the most satis- 

 factory. If possible, find the cause and remove it, when the effect 

 will cease, and the inflamed structures will return to their normal 

 condition. For instance, when a pin is inserted into the hand, it 

 causes pain, swelling, heat, and redness ; but if the pin or irritant be 

 removed in time, and suitable treatment adopted, the parts resume 

 their natural healthy condition, and any exudation that may have 

 taken place is absorbed. This termination may take place suddenly 

 or gradually. 



25. Exudation and Adhesion. — By exudation is meant the 

 cozing out of certain matter, and adhesion is the force by which 

 various bodies stick together. Reparative results are obtained by 

 the organization of the exuded lymph, the formation of new blood- 

 vessels, the absorption of the serous fluid, and the closing of wounds, 

 by adhesion of the cut surfaces, etc.; but at times the result of 



