112 Diseases of the Dog. 
suspension of function in the contiguous structures, as 
well as in the integral parts of the blood itself. Acuce 
Inflammation is characterised by severity and activity ; it 
is atonic or subacute, when by reason of low vital force it 
proves slow or tardy. Closely allied to this state is a 
peculiarity of the circulation, common to the larger organs 
having abundant vessels and elastic tissue, known as 
Congestion. It is sudden in its origin and departure, 
sometimes attended with dropsical-states, and is probably 
confined to the venous system. 
Inflammation terminates in various ways—viz., Pesolu- 
tion, or gradual decline, the parts shortly regaining their 
original state ; in suppuration, or the formation of pus, in 
some cases discharged from the surface of membranes, as 
in catarrh, or otherwise collected within a cavity between 
muscles, or in deep-seated tissues, when it is known as an 
abscess ; in effusion from the surface of membranes, as 
water (serum), or mucus, or by lymph within er between 
structures inflamed, by which permanent union, thicken- 
ing and enlargement is the result. Inflammation is further 
distinguished by the structures involved : thus, we have 
serous and mucous inflammation, as the serous and mucous 
membranes are implicated ; when the substance of organs 
is the seat, it is known as parenchymatous , if it seizes the 
ligaments, tendons, and coverings of joints, it is ~ez- 
matic ; and inflammation of the skin and deeper-seated 
tissues is termed erysipelatous. 
Treatment of Inflammation may be /oca/or general. 
The former consists of liberating the vessels of the affected 
parts by scarzfication or slight incisions across the surface 
by means of a small lancet, as in conjunctival ophthalmia, 
or by means of blisters, the hot iron, &c., in the case of 
important organs. General treatment consists of attack- 
ing the system by internal remedies known to be effica- 
cious in controlling the circulation and nervous force. 
Abscess.—The collection of pus, or matter, within a 
cavity in soft parts of the body, is termed an adscess. The 
signs ate heat, unusual tenderness, and defined swelling ; 
and as the process of pus formation matures, the swelling 
and tenderness are confined to the central part, which 
