470 



be veiy gently pressed witli the fingers at first to remove the clots — 

 inspissated x)us — but after this the orifice is simply- to be kept open 

 by the introduction of a whalebone probe, should it be disposed to 

 heal too soon. If the opening is at too high a level another should 

 be made into the lowest portion of the abscess. Hot fomentations or 

 poultices are sometimes required for a day or two after an abscess 

 has opened, and are i)articularly indicated when the base of the ab- 

 scess is hard and indurated. As a rule, injections into the cavity of 

 abscesses are not indicatedj though in cases of serous abscesses (if one 

 may be allowed such latitude of terms), as cysts of the elbow, knee, 

 etc., astringent injections — sulphate of zinc, 15 grains to the ounce 

 of water — are required to cause adhesions of the walls of the cavity 

 and i)revent it from refilling. If abscesses are foul and bad-smelling 

 their cavities must be syringed with a weak solution of carbolic acid 

 or other antiseptics. 



CoJd abscess is the term applied to those large, indolent swellings 

 that are the result of a low or chronic form of inflammation, in the 

 center of which there is a small collection of i>us. These are mostly 

 met with at the base of the neck and in front of the shoulder joint. 

 The swelling is diffuse and of enormous extent, but slightly hotter 

 than surrounding j)arts, and not very x^ainful ux)on x)ressure. There 

 is a i^ronounced stiffness, rather than pain, evinced upon moving the 

 animal. Such abscesses have the appearance of a hard tumor, sur- 

 rounded b}' a softer oedematous swelling, involving the tissues to the 

 extent of a foot or more in all directions from the tumor. This dif- 

 fused swelling gradually' subsides and leaves the large, hardened mass 

 somewhat well defined. One of the characteristics of cold abscesses 

 is their tendency to remain in the same condition for a great length 

 of time. There is neither heat nor soreness; no increase nor les- 

 sening in the size of the tumor; it remains statu quo. If, however, 

 the animal should be put to work for a short time the irritation of the 

 collar causes the surrounding tissues to again assume an oedematous 

 condition, which, after a few daj's' rest, disapi)ear, leaving the tumor 

 as before or but slightly larger. UiDon careful manipulation we may 

 discover what appears to be a fluid deep seated in the center of the 

 mass. The quantity of matter so contained is very small — often not 

 more than a tablespoonf ul — and for this reason it can not, In all cases, 

 be detected. 



Cold abscesses are mostlj^ if not always, caused by the long-con- 

 tinued irritation of a loose and badly fitting collar. There is a slow 

 inflammatory action going on, which results in the formation of a 

 small quantity of matter, inclosed in very thick and but partially 

 organized walls, that are not as well defined as is the circumference 

 of fibrous tumors, which they most resemble. 



Treatment. — The means recommended to bring the acute abscess "to 

 a head" are but rarely effectual with this variety; or, if successful, 



