POLL-EVIL 41 



But 'd it is found that the swelling continues in spite of 

 these, other means must be resorted to, and applications 

 to facilitate the ripening of the abscess must be adopted. 

 This will be best effected by poultices, warm fom^enta- 

 tions, and stimulating embrocations. The progress 

 of the disease must be narrowly watched, and when 

 sufficiently advanced, which will be known by the 

 softness of the swelling, it must be opened with a 

 lancet, and afterwards kept open by means of a 

 seton. The needle, with the cord attached to it, must 

 penetrate the apex of the abscess, and be forced out 

 a little way belov/ the bottom, so that no matter can 

 possibly collect in and lodge there. Gentle pressure 

 should be used to squeeze the whole of the matter 

 out. After this nothing more will be required except 

 to keep it clean and occasionally fomented with warm 

 water, and carbolic acid or Jey's fluid. If taken at an 

 early stage of the disease, w^hat we have recommended 

 will generally effect a cure. 



On the other hand, should the pus burrow deep 

 and affect the ligaments of the vertebrae of the neck, 

 the edges of the wound must be stimulated by 

 nitrate of silver or caustic, to induce a healthy action 

 into the muscular fibre, and excite it to granulate. 

 When the interior of the abscess has assumed a callous 

 appearance, it may be necessary to syringe it out 

 with a very weak solution of nitrate of silver mixed 

 with rose-water. Should this not have the effect of 

 inducing a healthy condition, then it will be necessary 

 to have the services of a regular veterinary surgeon. 



The cord used as a seton should be wet with the 

 following mixture : — 



Corrosive sublimate ... J dracliin, 

 Spirit of wine .... 2 ounces. 



The cord should be cut off and united at both ends 



