GENERAL PATHOLOGIC CHANGES 233 



The symptoms of inflammation are heat, redness, swelling, 

 pain, and disturbed function. Heat is mostly due to an increase 

 in the amount of blood flowing through the part. Redness is 

 observable only in white-skinned animals, and is due to more 

 blood than normal in the part; however, inflamed mucous sur- 

 faces in all animals readily show it. Swelling is the result of 

 the same cause plus the inflammatory exudate or fluid which oozes 

 out of the blood-vessels to bathe the tissues. Pain results from 

 undue pressure on the sensory nerves. Disturbed function is 

 seen in all active tissues when they are inflamed. 



The treatment of inflammation should be directed toward 

 assisting the body in its endeavors to remove the irritant cause. 

 In case the inflammation is of an aseptic nature, treatment will 

 be largely symptomatic. When sepsis is present the mode of 

 procedure must be varied to suit the particular case. Local 

 remedies for the treatment of inflammation are rest, heat, cold, 

 massage, counterirritants, and antiseptics. 



Rest is most important, for it involves removal of the irritant 

 and supports the action of other remedies. It is particular- 

 ly essential in all painful conditions, such as lameness and 

 rheumatism. 



Heat is indicated only in cases where no bacterial infection is 

 present. It stimulates the circulation, and thus promotes the 

 absorption of the exudate and hastens the elimination of the 

 waste products. Under the influence of heat the tissues relax, 

 so that pressure is taken off the sensitive nerves and pain is 

 relieved. It is applied in the form of hot packs, hot air, and 

 poultices. 



Gold is useful in the first stages of acute inflammation and in 

 septic conditions. It contracts the tissues and lessens the 

 vitality of the part. No fixed rules can be laid down for its 

 application. In practice cold is applied in the form of cold water 

 or ice-packs. 



Massage is' an important adjunct to healing in non-infectious 

 inflammations, but is contra-indicated in septic conditions, as 

 it tends to relax the tissues and thus allows resorption of toxic 

 products. It is applied by rubbing, stroking, and kneading the 

 part. 



Counterirritants are used for deep-seated inflammations. 

 They stimulate blood circulation and are very important aids in 



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