50 PBINCIPLES OP VETEBINAET SUEGEEY 



Oive the constitutional symptoms following contusion. 



As a rnle there are none. In case a large blood vessel is 

 torn, the symptoms of acute anaemia present themselves. A 

 rise of temperature is observed after extensive contusions 

 (aseptic fever, due to the absorption of pyrogenous material);. 

 When contusions become complicated with suppurative pro- 

 cesses the symptoms peculiar to them are present (necrosis, 

 septicaemia, pysemia). 

 Give the differential diagnosis of contusion swellings. 



Abscess. Hard and painful in the beginning, developing 

 gradually, with late fluctuation ; peripheral area cedematous 

 and doughy. 



Hematoma. Soft and early fluctuation ; sudden and 

 complete development ; no pei'ipheral oedema, at least not j 

 during the first few days. 



Abdominal hernia. Contents of tumor are compressible; 

 the muscular rent can usually be located by palpation. 



In case any doubts exist, the contents of the swelling 

 may be revealed by an aseptic puncture of the same. 

 Describe the treatment of contusions. 



As a rule rest is important. In the slighter and super- 

 ficial contusions, evaporating lotions, massage, or warm, 

 moist antiseptic compresses, provided they can be applied, ;: 

 are useful ; otherwise, warm antiseptic bathing. 



Those contusions with considerable disorganization of 

 tissues demand a treatment which will promote the activity 

 of the local circulation, break up and diifuse the bloodclofe | 

 and serous effusions and hasten absorption. Here warm 

 moist antiseptic dressing or bathing, according to the region 

 involved, are imperative. After four to five days the most 

 dependent part should be freely opened, all recesses exposed 

 to drainage, the cavity packed with antiseptic tamponsy to 



