Common Diseases of Dogs 



such as boric acid. If the wound is extensive it is 

 often advisable to put in a few stitches. Deep 

 ragged wounds must be thoroughly washed and 

 then covered with swabs saturated with boric acid 

 or some suitable antiseptic. Penetrating wounds 

 caused by bites or nail puncture are the most dan- 

 gerous. The skin opening being small, closes 

 quickly, and the infection which has been carried 

 into the deeper tissues causes an inflammation. 

 Since the discharges cannot go to the surface they 

 are forced out through the softer tissues, and blood 

 poisoning results. Bite wounds require careful at' 

 tention because of the danger of rabies. 



Bruises. — The skin and muscles are bruised by 

 blows, kicks and the like. The affected parts be- 

 come, red, hot, swollen, and painful, owing to the 

 inflammatory processes. During the first twenty- 

 four hours after the wound has been inflicted, swabs 

 soaked in cold water can be applied. Afterward Hot 

 applications are used, which may be followed by 

 liniments and massage. 



Abscesses. — ^Abscesses result from the destruc- 

 tion of tissues by blows and similar injuries and 

 from puncture wounds. The inflammation instead of 

 spreading remains confined to a small area, and pus 

 develops. This gives rise to a hot, painful swelling 

 which is more or less circumscribed. When this is 

 "ripe" it must be opened, the pus drawn out, and 

 the wound treated with antiseptics. Hot moist 



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