The Head and Neck 37 



Treatment. All wounds about these parts should be closely 

 watched for signs of subcuticular suppuration. Gaping wounds 

 should be sutured with the buried suture with provision for drainage. 

 Smaller wounds are best left to heal by granulation. If an abscess 

 develops free exit must be given to the pus at its most dependent 

 part. Fistulous tracts must be searched for foreign bodies. 



ABSCESS OF THE SCALP. 



This trouble is seen more particularly in young nursing pup- 

 pies, but it also occurs in adult animals. In puppies it may be of 

 pyemic nature following omphalo-phlebitis, but may also result from 

 local traumatic influences as is the case in the adult. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. The condition is recognized as a 

 large swelling on the top of the head, which very closely resembles 

 that peculiar to hydrocephalus, in fact, the first sight of the trouble 

 in the puppy may give the practitioner the impression that the animal 

 is the subject of the latter condition. By palpation the subcutaneous 

 situation of the fluid can easily be determined. 



Treatment. The purulent matter must be evacuated by lancing 

 at a dependent point, and reaccumulation prevented. Hydrogen 

 peroxide may be injected to cleanse the cavity but if free drainage is 

 provided, unassisted recovery is quick to follow. 



FOREIGN BODIES. 



Foreign bodies in the form of rubber bands are sometimes mis- 

 chievously slipped over the head on to the neck or string may be tied 

 tightly round the neck by children. Such bands by constant pres- 

 sure soon cut through the skin and may dangerously constrict the 

 trachea. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. If a linear wound is observed en- 

 circling the neck, such a foreign body may be suspected. At the 

 outset, the animal makes repeated efforts to rid itself of the body. 

 Later, as the constricting action encroaches on the trachea all the 

 signs of dyspnea are exhibited. 



Treatment. The indications are to remove the constricting 

 agent by dividing it, and in order to do this it may be necessary to 

 cut into the neck. 



