DISEASES OF THE LYMPHATICS. 123 



tlie stable, the application of tincture of iodine every four days 

 to the limb, and the internal use of tonics (iron, Peruvian bark, 

 columba, gentian, nux vomica, etc.), and diuretics (iodide of 

 potassium, liquor of acetate of ammonia), will be beneficial. 

 Some use veratrum. 



lOCAL FORM. 



This results mainly from wounds, bruises (saddle or shoulder 

 scalds), from injuries of unyielding parts (pricked foot, tendon, 

 or fascia), and above all from the absorption of putrefying 

 animal matter or other poison by these vessels. The same 

 occurs from the specific poisons of glanders, farcy, etc. There 

 are slightly swollen cords (red in white skins), extending along 

 the course of the lymphatics and veins from the point of irrita- 

 tion or poisoning; nodular, painful enlargement of the lym- 

 phatic glands along their course, and more or less surrounding 

 pasty swelling, or even erysipelas. It may go on to abscess or 

 diffuse suppuration, it may leave induration of the glands, or 

 even the vessels and surrounding parts, or a perfect recovery 

 may be made. 



Treatment. — Rest, a purgative, and astringent lotions (acetate 

 of lead I dr., opium \ dr., carbolic acid i dr., water i qt.) If 

 the inflammation runs very high it may be expedient to use 

 warm poultices to hasten suppuration. In case it arises from 

 a poisoned wound, cauterize the sore thoroughly with lunar 

 caustic or crystallized carbolic acid, and keep the affected parts 

 wrapped in cloths constantly wet with a saturated solution of 

 bisulphite or hyposulphite of soda, and enough carbolic acid 

 to give a sweetish taste. The bisulphite may also be taken 

 internally. In case of suppuration, open early and freely with 

 the lancet. If the affection becomes chronic and threatens 

 permanent induration use iodine ointment or tincture, well 

 applied bandages, giving an equable pressure, and even blisters. 

 Iodide df potassium, or in weak subjects, iodide of iron may 

 be given internally, 



