CHAPTER VI, 



SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ABSCESSES. 



An abscess when just ripe and ready to open, should be lanced 

 in its softest and most dependent part, the blade of the knife 

 being protected by the fingers (or by some tow or wadding 

 wrapped round it) from entering too deeply, and the cutting 

 action made in a direction away from the animal's body. This 

 operation, which is a very simple one, requires the aid of a 

 sharp scalpel or lancet, the pattern of blades known as Syme's 

 or Paget's, being especially adapted for the purpose (Fig. 30). 

 A bold incision should be made, sufficiently large to enable the 

 interior to be thoroughly cleansed and examined after the con- 

 tents have been evacuated. 



If there is doubt about the contents an exploratory puncture 

 may be made with a small trocar and canula (Fig. 31) or an 

 exploring needle ; the latter consists of a needle with a fixed 

 handle, and having a groove down one side of the blade, the 

 groove being for the purpose of retaining a small quantity of 

 tJie contents, in order that the nature of them may be examined 

 before deciding whether the swelling is to be lanced or not. 



The wound is afterwards treated with antiseptics either applied 

 in the form of fluid injections or dry powder, a drainage tube 

 or tent of antiseptic material being inserted for a few days in 

 order to insure free drainage. If necessary a local anaesthetic 

 may be used over the spot where the incision is to be made, 

 the ether spray or ethyl-chloride being easy of application and 

 very effective. 



