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scess. Hot fomentations or poultices are sometimes required for a day 

 or two after an abscess has opened, and are particularly indicated when 

 the base of the abscess Is hard and indurated. As a rule, injections 

 into the cavity of abscesses are not indicated, 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 prevent it from refilling. If abscesses are foul and bad- 

 smelling their cavities must be syringed with a weak solution of car- 

 bolic acid or other antiseptics. 



Cold abscess is the term applied to those large, indolent swellings that 

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

 which there is a small collection of pus. 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 

 parts, and not very painful upon pressure. There is a pronounced 

 stiffness, rather than pain, evinced upon moving the animal. Such ab- 

 scesses have the appearance of a hard tumor, surrounded by a softer 

 cedematous swelling, involving the tissues to the extent of a foot or 

 more in all directions from the tumor. This diffused swelling gradually 

 subsides and leaves the large, hardened mass somewhat well defined. 

 One of the chara(;teristics of cold abscesses is their tendency to remain 

 in the same condition for a great leugth of time. There is neither heat 

 nor soreness; no increase nor lessening in the size of the tumor; it re- 

 mains 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 cedematous condition, which, after a few days' rest, 

 disappear, leaving the tumor as before or but slightly larger. Upou 

 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 tablespoonful— and for this reason 

 it can not, in all cases, be detected. 



Cold abscesses are mostly, if not a'ways, caused by the long-contin- 

 ued irritation of a loose and badly fitting collar. There is a slow in- 

 flammatory 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 htad " are but rarely effectual with this variety ; or, if successful, too 

 much time has been occupied in the cure. We must look for other and 

 more rapid methods of treatment. These consist in, first of all, care- 

 fully exploring the tumor for the presence of pus. The incisions must 

 be made over the softest part, and carried deep into the tumor (to its 

 very bottom if necessary), and the matter allowed to escape. After this, 

 and whether^we have found matter or not, we must induce an active 



