Phlegmonous Pharyngitis, 57 



to hasten its maturation. The first demand is met by hot fomenta- 

 tions persistently applied to the throat. This may be done by 

 spongio-piline, or simply by well washed wool or cotton bound 

 upon the throat and wet at frequent intervals with water rather 

 hotter than the hand can bear. The addition of a little carbolic 

 acid will secure at once some local ansesthesia and a measure of 

 antisepsis. In warm weather the substitution of cold water has 

 been resorted to with apparently good effect. If adopted it should 

 be frequently renewed so as to keep up the constant action of cold 

 and moisture. These have been especially recommended in dogs 

 injured by a tight or ill-fitting collar. 



When suppuration appears imminent as shown by the dense, 

 hard, circumscribed plegmon, stimulating embrocations may be 

 used to hasten its progress. Camphorated spirit is suitable for 

 carnivora and sheep. It may be combined with tincture of can- 

 tharides for horses. For cattle and swine, oil of turpentine may 

 be added, the three being used in equal proportions. A liniment 

 of ammonia and oil may be used more or less frequently and 

 energetically according to the relative thickness and insensibility 

 of the skin of the animal affected. 



When matter has formed and fluctuates, it should be at once 

 evacuated and the cavity treated by antiseptic dressings. In this 

 way secondary abscesses, septic infections, molecular ulcerations 

 and other injurious sequelae may be largely obviated. 



In case of threatened asphyxia the dernier resort tracheotomy 

 is always available, and this often acts very favorably in improv- 

 ing the aeration of the blood, in restoring the flagging vital func- 

 tions which depend on haematosis, and in removing the friction 

 and irritation consequent on the passage of air through the 

 narrowed and tender passages. 



