DISEASES FROM SEPTIC INFECTION OF WOUNDS. 319 



The therapeutic treatment is not simple in all contusions. In 

 large "fluid-boils" we rarely can wait for an absorption of the 

 secretion, but are compelled to open the swelling at the point where 

 it is soft, and where the skin is thinnest. In animals we must 

 always try to make an opening in the dependent part of the 

 enlargement, so as to get perfect drainage. After having opened 

 the tumor clean it out, removing all clots, etc., and treat the inner 

 surface of the wound according to the usual method applied in 

 such cases. If the location of the wound prevents such a proced- 

 ure, the fluid may be emptied by means of a hypodermatic syringe, 

 and an antiseptic solution injected in its place, and, if possible, 

 this should be followed up afterward by a compress-dressing. 



In all cases where the skin is very much injured, or where 

 extensive destruction of the soft parts has taken place, or even 

 fracture of the bone has occurred, we cannot use massage, but 

 instead compressing antiseptic dressings must be applied. As a 

 rule, treat the slightest injuries of the skin according to the best 

 antiseptic methods. 



Inflammatory symptoms are observed as soon as fever appears. 

 The skin becomes hot and painful ; finally fluctuation is found in 

 some parts. Then we must immediately remove the secretion, 

 clean out the wound, and by drainage keep the cavity empty, at 

 the same time inject into it a 1 to 1000 solution of corrosive sub- 

 limate or a 5 per cent, solution of carbolic acid, and use an anti- 

 septic bandage. 



The use of various animal sera, such as the anti-streploeoecic 

 and polyvalent sera, have been ofEered as a possible means of pre- 

 venting wound infection. These sera undoubtedly are valuable and 

 will ultimately, when better understood, be of great benefit thera- 

 putically. At present, however, they are still in a state of evolu- 

 tion. 



