PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 351 



and then generally at this period the central part becomes 

 softened and the phenomenon of fluctuation comes into evi- 

 dence. 



The word "fluctuation" is applied to a combination of sen- 

 sations determined by the sense of touch, disclosing the 

 presence of a liquid collection in the tissues. Fluctuation is 

 recognized by placing two or three fingers of the same hand 

 on the tumefaction, while, with the fingers of the other 

 hand, pressure is cautiously exerted at another point of the 

 tumor. The; liquid displaced by the active hand lifts tht 

 fingers of the hand that remains passive. Several repetitions 

 of the manipulation are essential to make a successful de- 

 duction. Fluctuation, associated with inflammatory mani- 

 festation is a positive indication of abscess. 



(b) General Symptoms. — The establishment of an abscess 

 is usually accompanied by general systemic disturbances 

 which are often scarcely perceptible, but may in other cases 

 be rather intense. The symptoms marked during the early 

 stage of the process become modified as the tumor defines 

 its limits, and disappear entirely when the abscess forma- 

 tion is complete. 



2. DEEP ABSCESSES,— The first evidence of deep ab- 

 scess is announced by a train of very grave symptoms with- 

 out any indication of the abnormality on the surface of the 

 body. Pyrexia, acceleration of the respirations and pulse 

 rate, injection of the mucous membranes, and anorexia are 

 notably in evidence. This first period, exclusively charac- 

 terized by general symptoms, is of short duration. After 

 forty-eight hours to tliree days tlie temperature Towers," alfd 

 a "revealing oedema" makes its appearance at some point on 

 the surface of the body. Shortly the oedema defines its limits, 

 and having partially disappeared, the fluctuation becomes 

 perceptible. During the progress of development abscesses 

 of this variety are usually accompanied by special symptoms 



