172 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



albus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or the Bacillus pyocyaneus of blue 

 and green pus. Pus acts as a mechanical agent to bring irritating 

 substances from the depths of wounds. When left in the tissue any 

 length of time it has the power to dissolve them, so ought to be 

 removed promptly. 



Abscess formation is one of the most common wound infection 

 diseases. An abscess is the local accumulation of pus in the 

 tissues. There are "hot abscesses" and "cold abscesses." The 

 hot abscess is always very sensitive to pressure and is accompanied 

 by the other symptoms of inflammation — viz., heat, redness, and 

 swelling. Cold abscesses are gradual in development and non- 

 sensitive. The skin is adherent over the surface of abscesses. 

 Advantage is taken of this fact in differentiating between abscesses 

 and other swellings. In the majority of cases the abscess has 

 developed so far by the time it is noticed that attempts to absorb 

 or "scatter" it are futile. However, in the early stages the daily 

 application of tincture or ointment of iodin will be found beneficial. 

 The application of a light blister or a stimulating liniment assists 

 absorption. If acute inflammatory symptoms are present, neither 

 of these should be used. Usually the best results are obtained by 

 applying a poultice to the "gathering" to bring it to a head quicker 

 than naturally. For this purpose "Denver Mud, ' ' antiphlogistin, or 

 a flaxseed poultice, with an antiseptic added to keep down injurious 

 germ growth, is useful. As soon as the abscess softens in the center 

 and the hair falls out it is ready to be opened. This is done by 

 making a liberal incision to allow free draining of the pus. 



Wound fever includes a role of s3rmptoms, among the principal 

 of which are elevated body temperature, loss of appetite, and 

 deranged digestion. The main treatment consists in the applica- 

 tion of antiseptics directly to the wound. 



Septicemia means the presence of bacteria and their poisonous 

 products in the circulating blood. It is commonly known as 

 "blood-poisoning." This disease may follow extensive wounds 

 that have been neglected. As a sequel to decubitis (bed-sores) 

 it complicates cases in which paralysis of the limbs renders standing 

 impossible. 



Pyemia is that wound infection disease in which pus organisms 

 are found in the circulating blood. It leads to secondary multiple 

 abscess formation in the internal organs and generally throughout 

 the body. 



