PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT 



45 



ing of pus, the formation of pockets and destruction of neighboring 

 parts, as happens in poll evil, fistulous withers, and puncture of 

 the bursa in the hoof under the perforans tendon. The skin should 

 be shaven, made aseptic, and incised freely at a dependent part. 

 Then light curettage, packing with aseptic gauze soaked in hydro- 

 gen dioxide, and the application of an aseptic dressing wet with 

 two per cent, creolin solution should be kept constantly over the 

 wound, where possible. Frequent irrigations with two per cent, 

 creolin are also indicated. 



In most cases chronic bursitis or hygroma gives rise to a pain- 

 less cystic or chiefly fibrous tumor which does not cause lameness 

 and is objectionable only in being a blemish. However, on account 

 of its size or because it is continually subject to acute exacerbations 

 and becomes infected and sloughing, or because of its unsightly ap- 

 pearance, one may be called upon to treat it. There is some danger, 

 however, in operative interference and it should not be attempted 

 unless it can be done in the most cleanly manner. When a bursa 

 connects with a joint or is deep, as in the bursa under the perforans 

 at the point of the hock, there is much greater danger. Firing and 

 blistering are not of service. Aspiration of the bursa and injection 

 of an aseptic irritant, or incision, curettage, packing and drainage, 

 are the best measures in cystic chronic bursitis, and excision of the 

 whole mass in indurated chronic bursitis, where the fibrous tumor is 

 chiefly due to peribursitis through constant proliferation of con- 

 nective tissue. 



In aspiration the strictest aseptic precautions must be observed. 

 The animal is cast, the part shaved for a large area, scrubbed 

 thoroughly with green soap and water and Harrington's solution 

 (see Wounds, p. 273), or painted with tincture of iodine. The 

 boiled needle of a hypodermic syringe is then plunged into the sac. 

 This is permitted to remain while aspiration is done. Aspiration is 

 conducted with a Potain or Dieulafoy aspirator. Now 95 per cent 

 carbolic acid (TTlx to TTLxxx) or tincture of iodine (3i) are injected 



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