DIAGNOSTIC SIGNS OF ABSCESS. 
312 . 
much tension, heat, and sensitiveness, we may confidently decide 
that suppuration is about to take place. I consider a description 
of the symptoms of superficial abscesses here unnecessary, because 
ordinary observation is sufficient to detect them ; I will, therefore, 
only observe that the swollen and tumefied condition of the part 
by which phlegmonous inflammation is characterized, is much 
modified after suppuration has taken place. The tumour is greatly 
diminished at its circumference, less diffused, and appears more 
and more concentrated, so that the centre of the surface becomes 
in a degree elevated, prominent, and softened. The periphery of 
the inflamed surface is in some measure restored to its original state, 
while the prominent part yields more and more to the purulent 
fluid beneath. When carefully examined, fluctuation more or less 
distinct is evinced, and, as the abscess advances to the surface, 
this latter sign is more manifest. 
Of deep-seated abscess we are at all times afraid ; and the signs 
by which it is to be detected are of the utmost importance to the 
practitioner. In domesticated animals, the subjects of our pro- 
fessional study, we are unaided by the voice to point out the pain 
and pulsatory sensation isochronous with the pulse, with every 
other verbal diagnostic accessible to the human surgeon. As 
Mr. Mayer most justly observes — “ How do we know where and 
when they are formed ] To what veterinary work should we di- 
rect the anxious inquirer V’ 
True it is, we lack much information on subjects of pathology 
with which the human practitioner is acquainted. The whole art 
of farriery has too long been confined to a pocket volume ; but it 
is to be hoped that veterinary science will find, by and by, suffi- 
cient talent amongst its votaries for the production of literary 
works more allied to those of the other profession in worth and 
extent. 
In these cases of deep-seated abscesses, the most exquisite 
tact for examination is required, in order to arrive at an accurate 
opinion. Upon the disordered function of the affected organ or 
part, and upon the nature of the constitutional disturbance, the 
diagnosis entirely rests. 
To give the whole of the symptoms of the different kinds of 
visceral abscess, would occupy too much time and space ; but there 
is one particular indication for our guidance; — the abscess which 
forms in deep-seated parts or viscera is of the consecutive kind, 
taking place subsequent to some previous malady in animals 
whose vital energies have been lowered by this disease, or disor- 
dered function of the digestive organs, or otherwise. Every pos- 
sible circumstance connected with the history of the patient must 
be taken into consideration, and the slightest difference in the 
