272 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 



pass, being nothing more than spaces in the connective tissue until 

 they reach the larger lymph vessels, which finally empty into lymph 

 glands. These lymph glands are structures so placed that the lymph 

 flowing toward the larger trunks passes through them, undergoing a 

 sort of filtration. From the fact of this arrangement lymph glands 

 are subject to inflammatory diseases in the vicinity of diseased struc- 

 tures, because infective material being conveyed in the lymph stream 

 lodges in the glands and produces irritation. 



LOCAL INFLAMMATION AND ABSCESS OF LYMPHATIC GLANDS. 



Acute inflammation of the lymph glands usually occurs in connec- 

 tion with some inflammatory process in the region from which its 

 lymph is gathered. Several or all of the glands in a cluster may 

 become affected, as in strangles, nasal catarrh, or nasal gleet, diseased 

 or ulcerated teeth, the lymph glands between the branches of the 

 lower jaw almost invariably become affected, which may lead to sup- 

 puration or induration. Similar results obtain in other portions of 

 the body; in pneumonia the bronchial glands become affected; in 

 pharyngitis the postpharyngeal glands lying above the trachpa be- 

 come affected, etc. 



Symptoins. — The glands swell and become painful to the touch, the 

 connective tissue surrounding them becomes involved, suppuration 

 usually takes place, and one or more abscesses form. If the inflam- 

 mation is of a milder type, resolution may take place and the swelling 

 recede, the exudative material being absorbed, and the gland restored 

 without the occurrence of suppuration. In the limbs a whole chain 

 of the glands along the lymphatic vessels may become affected, as in 

 farcy, phlebitis, or septic poisoning. 



Treatment. — Fomentation with hot water and the application of 

 camphorated soap liniment or camphorated oil may produce a revul- 

 sive action and prevent suppuration. If there is any indication of 

 abscess forming, poultices of linseed meal and bran made into a paste 

 with hot water should be applied, or a mild blistering ointment 

 .rubbed in over the swollen gland. As soon as fluctuation can be felt 

 a free opening must be made for the escape of the contained pus. 

 The wound may subsequently be washed out with a solution of 

 chlorid of zinc, 5 grains to the ounce of water, three times a day. 



LYMPHANGITIS. 



Specific inflammation of the lymphatic structures usually affects 

 the hind legs ; very seldom a fore leg. This disease is very sudden in 

 its attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a high temperature 

 and great general disturbance. 



