266 TUMEFIED OR SORE FEET. 



POLYPUS. 



Now and then an excrescence is found protruding itself from 

 some cavity, of an indeterminate form, but usually pendulous and 

 nipple-shaped. I have seen them in the nose, within the uterus, 

 and the sheath of the penis, as well as pendant from other parts 

 also ; but by much the most usual situation in which polypi are 

 found is within the sheath or vagina of the bitch. When the 

 pedicle of the polypus can be reached to its origin, it may be taken 

 off by excision : when this cannot be conveniently done, still a 

 ligature may commonly be introduced around its base, and suf- 

 fered to remain till the whole drops off. I have frequently re- 

 moved polypi by both these methods, without future inconvenience 

 or reproduction. 



TUMEFIED OR SORE FEET. 



When the feet of dogs become sore by travelling, it is common 

 to wash them with brine ; but this is not altogether a good prac- 

 tice. It is better to bathe them with greasy pot-liquor, milk, or 

 buttermilk, and afterwards to defend them from stones and dirt, 

 by wrapping them up. When the feet become sore from any dis- 

 eased affection of the claws, the proper treatment may be seen 

 under Mange, and under Cutting of Claws, in Class XII. 



Occasionally, however, violent inflammation follows very hard 

 and continued travel, and the spongy balls of the feet take on a 

 slow suppuration ; the dog can hardly be moved, and his time is 

 spent in licking them : often he has strong symptoms of fever. 

 A poultice of linseed meal ought to envelop each foot, which 

 should be renewed once a-day : if the dog gnaws it off, apply fo- 

 mentations twice a-day ; for it is essentially necessary that a healthy 

 suppuration should be established as quick as possible, otherwise 

 a species of founder takes place, and the dog will remain tender 

 footed ever after. As soon as matter fluctuates, open with a lancet. 

 The claws by undue growth often curve, and indent their points 



