INFLAMMATION. 63 



or mucous membranes, and the spot remaining after a loss of sub- 

 stance is called an ulcer. 



Explain the termination of inflammation by suppuration. 



There is the formation of pus, and caused largely by micro- 

 organisms. The pus formations may be local (in one large abscess), 

 or they may be diffused (distributed in smaller points). 



What is gangrene or mortification ? 



This is the death of a part due to a stoppage of the nutrition, 

 and the part dies. The part thrown off is called a slough. If the 

 tissue be soft the dead portion is called a sphacelus; if of hard 

 tissue, as bone, it is called necrosis, while gangrene of the blood 

 is called necrcemia. 



What are the indications for treatment of inflammations ? 



First, try to ascertain the cause and remove it. If due to 

 chemicals, give their antidotes; if due to a new growth, destroy 

 it; if a mechanical body, remove it; if an irritant to the stomach 

 or bowels, give emetics or purges. When the cause cannot be 

 found, treat the symptoms as they arise, which is usually the mode 

 of treatment for most internal inflammations. In olden times 

 bleeding was extensively resorted to, but has now been almost en- 

 tirely abandoned, except, possibly, in young plethoric animals. In 

 large cities the animals usually require all the blood they have to 

 withstand the disease. 



Aconite or veratrum viride have important actions, in the first 

 stages of acute inflammations, on the heart, which is excitable, 

 beats strongly and rapidly; again, the vessels of the inflamed part 

 are dilated at first, causing a congestion, which should be overcome 

 before stasis takes place. 



After the first stages, the treatment should be almost the op- 

 posite; instead of sedatives, stimulants should be given to increase 

 the blood-current to try to overcome the obstruction; nitro-glycerin 

 is here an important drug, and it may be combined with strophan- 

 thus and digitalis. 



Other drugs commonly used are ammonium carbonate, alcohol, 

 belladonna, quinine, opium, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, 

 colchicum, nux vomica. 



What is the local treatment of inflammation ? 



Hot fomentations, in the shape of hot water, hot poultices, 

 -especially if suppuration is present and we desire to hasten it. The 



