246 



result of pressure by an increase of fibrous or connective tissue, altbougli 

 a large tumor at the site of the gland remains. This may become grad- 

 ually absorbed, more often, however, recurrence of inflammation takes 

 place and frequently small abscesses form. 



Treatment— Uei^eated blistering with ointment of cantharides 8 parts, 

 bin-iodide of mercury 1 part, to be thoroughly mixed and applied once 

 in ten days or two weeks. If this fails, extirpation will become neces- 

 sary. 



LYMPHANGITIS. 



Specific inflammation of the lymphatic structures, usually affecting the 

 hind leg, very seldom a fore leg. This disease is very sudden in its 

 attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a high temperature, and 

 great general disturbance. 



Causes.— UoTses of lymphatic or sluggish temperament are predis- 

 posed to this affection. It usually attacks well-fed animals, and in such 

 cases may be due to an excess of nutritive elements in the blood. Sud- 

 den changes in work or in the habits of the animal may inducean attack. 



8ymptoms.—It is usually ushered in by a chill, rise in temperature, 

 and some uneasiness; in a very short time this is followed by lameness 

 in one leg and swelling on the inside of the thigh. The swelling gradu- 

 ally surrounds the whole limb, continues on downward until it reaches 

 the foot. The limb is excessively tender to the touch, the animal per- 

 spires, the breathing is accelerated, pulse hard and quick, and the tem- 

 perature may reach lOG^ Fah. The bowels early become constipated, 

 and the urine scanty. The symptoms usually are on the increase for 

 about two days, then they remain stationary for the same length of 

 time ; the fever then abates ; the swelling recedes and becomes less 

 painful. It is very seldom, though, that all the swelling leaves the leg; 

 generally it leaves some permanent enlargement, and the animal be- 

 comes subject to recurrent attacks. Occasionally, the inguinal lym- 

 phatic glands (in the groin) undergo suppuration, and pyasmia may 

 supervene and prove fatal. In severe cases the limb becomes denuded 

 of hair in patches, the skin remains indurated with a fibrous growth, 

 which is known by the name of elephantiasis. 



Treatment. — Fomentations with vinegar and water, equal parts, to 

 which add 2 ounces of nitrate of potassa for each gallon. This should be 

 applied every ten or fifteen minutes for six or eight hours, then the leg 

 may be dried with a woolen cloth and bathed with camphorated soap 

 liniment. Internally, administer tincture of digitalis and aconite root, 

 equal parts of each, 30 drops every hour until the fever and pulse be- 

 come reduced. Half-ounce doses of nitrate of potassa in the drinking- 

 water every six hours, bran m ashes, and complete rest. This treatment, 

 if instituted early in the attack, very frequently brings about a remark- 

 able change within twenty-four hours. 



