CONGES TION. 593 



N.B. In using these lotions, mind the bruise is not to be covered closely up, but the rag dipped 

 in one of them simply laid over it, the hair being first well damped. Rest must be enjoined, 

 and the bowels are fo be opened by a brisk purgative Epsom salts and cream of tartar, or from 

 ten grains to a drachm and a half of aloes. Thus we try to prevent local inflammation. 



If, however, the inflammation has for the present gotten the upper hand, we try means to 

 subdue it. First we endeavour to place the seat of inflammation (say a wounded or bruised paw 

 in a dog) in the most favourable position for getting well, and try to keep it at rest. The 

 inflammation having fairly set in, the application of cold would now be very wrong indeed. Fomen- 

 tations (warm) and poultices must now be our sheet-anchors. We have already described the 

 usual method of fomenting ; a warm decoction of poppy-heads, or the old-wife's remedy, camomile 

 flowers, is very soothing. After well fomenting, a nice large poultice ought to be used. 



Thus we try to reduce the swelling, relieve the tension of the distended capillaries. 



When the inflammation and pain have gone, cold water sponging will give great relief, and 

 restore tone to the congested vessels. 



The constitutional treatment of simple sthenic inflammatory fever. We must first give a brisk 

 purgative. (We are talking of cases where there is no abdominal inflammation.) This does 

 great good in many ways. Then three or four times a day diaphoretics and salines should be 

 given ; they reduce the pulse and bring to our aid both the kidneys and skin. Nitrate of potash 

 and chlorate and citrate of potash may be used, and especially Mindererus spirit (liquor ammoniae 

 acetatis). 



Opium is of great use in allaying pain and irritation, and should be given in full doses 

 towards night. 



Tincture of aconite we have not very much experience of in canine diseases ; it deserves a 

 trial, however, in simple sthenic inflammatory fever. It is anodyne and sedative, and, we might 

 add, diaphoretic. In human practice it is used with success. 



Resi is of great importance rest in a well-ventilated, not too warm room, and the diet 

 must be low. We must mark the change of pulse, however, and not forget that the system must be 

 kept well up during convalescence. 



2. Congestion. 



This must not be confounded with inflammation, although it often is. It does, however, 

 sometimes run on to inflammation. In congestion there is redness of a dark or even purple hue, 

 serous exudation, and consequent swelling and pitting on pressure, but no elevation of temperature, 

 and no pain. The cedematous state of the tissues may lead on to ulceration of the structures. 

 The capillaries in congestion are turgid, the flow of blood slow, and there is sometimes rupture 

 of the vessels. 



Causes of Congestion. These may be divided into two classes (i) Those that act by 

 preventing the return of the blood to the heart, damming it up in the blood-vessels, causing 

 redness, exudation, &c. ; and (2) those that act by directly enfeebling the blood-vessels of the part, 

 as cold, &c. The cause will determine the treatment. 



3. Acute Rheumatism, 



This disease, one form of which is known by the name of chest founder, is very common 

 among dogs, and is a most painful complaint, deserving our utmost sympathy and care. 



Patlwlogy. We have long believed with many other professional men that rheumatism is 

 the result, primarily, of a superabundance of free acid most probably lactic in the blood. 

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