81 



INFLAMMATION. 



Inflammation arises from various causes ; but is distinguished 

 by the part affected becoming swoln, dry, and hot. A slight 

 degree of inflammation will generally subside without the aid 

 either of medicine or external application. Bleeding in the neck 

 will frequently remove an inflammation ; or the application of 

 leeches to the affected part, having previously shaved the hair 

 off. If the swelling or tumour becomes larger, soft, and shining, 

 matter is forming, when warm poultices should be applied as des- 

 cribed under contused wounds, and the same treatment adopted. 

 When the matter is completely formed (which may be known by 

 the fluctuation of the fluid upon a slight pressure) if the skin is 

 very thin, a deep opening or incision should be made with a lan- 

 cet on the prominent part ; but if hardness is felt the tumour must 

 remain till it breaks itself. After the tumour is emptied care 

 should be taken that the air does not penetrate, or the wound 

 will be much more difficult to heal. 



When a dog's eyes become inflamed and assume a red and 

 fiery appearance, bleeding will generally relieve him. 



Dogs, however, are not very subject to inflammation ; and, 

 generally speaking, will be troubled with few diseases if pro- 

 perly dietted and exercised. Dogs kept in towns are much 

 more subject to disorders, than such as are kept in the country. 

 Confinement is always injurious to dogs. 



FOR THE BITE OF ANOTHER DOG. 



See the article Wounds, &c. page 79. 



