232 
TREATMENT OE SHOULDER ABSCESS. 
is removed, and in eleven days the sutures. The operative wound usually 
heals by primary intention in three weeks, and the horse can resume 
work in one to two weeks later. This method can be recommended as 
practical and efficacious. 
Before attempting total extirpation the horse should be cast, for 
even if quiet, bleeding or other complication may ensue, which cannot 
be properly dealt with if he is standing. The animal is laid on 
the healthy side, placed in a good light, and the hair removed from the 
swelling. Spring artery forceps, thick and thin ligatures, and some 
tow tampons must be provided. An incision is made in the direction 
of the neck over the tumour; the skin on either side is drawn back, 
which, on account of the looseness of the subcutis, is not difficult, and 
any portion of skin adherent to the swelling taken away. In order to 
exert traction on the tumour, a piece of tape is passed through it, and the 
loose connective tissue surrounding it is separated with the fingers or 
scissors, beginning at the lower and inner side in order to avoid the 
carotid and its branches, or in case of injury, to facilitate their being 
ligatured. At the upper portion of the swelling this may become impos¬ 
sible, and grave bleeding may accordingly result. Similar danger 
occurs if the swelling is cut into, or a portion of it is allowed to remain. 
Vessels cut through sometimes retract into the masses of connective 
tissue, their ligation becomes impossible; and as the actual cautery 
often belies its reputation, the operator may see the animal bleed to death 
before his eyes. This danger is avoided if the operator carefully separates 
the loose connective tissue as far as possible with the fingers, and at once 
ligatures the exposed vessels in two places. The tumour secured, if 
necessary, with a strong thread, is then cut away. After rinsing out the 
cavity with a disinfecting fluid, and ligaturing any bleeding vessels, the 
surfaces should be powdered with 1 part of iodoform to 8 of tannin, the 
cavity plugged with carbolised jute, the skin sewn up, and the animal 
allowed to rise. 
In twenty-four hours the sutures may be loosened and the wound 
rinsed out with sublimate solution. A couple of stitches may be inserted 
into the margins of the wound, on either side, and fastened to a roller or 
to the mane, thus allowing free entrance of air. Dressing with iodoform 
and tannin is persevered with. To prevent interference with the wound, 
the animal should be placed on the pillar reins, or a side-stick applied in 
the recognised manner. After a few days a dry black scab covers the 
surface of the wound, and, if it become loose in spots, should be removed 
and the antiseptic powder reapplied. Towards the edges of the wound 
a small quantity of discharge may appear, which can be dried up with 
wadding or wood wool and the surface again powdered with iodoform and 
tannin. During the first six days the wound shows no marked change 
