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TUMOURS OF THE BRFAST. 
been treated with iodine and preparations of mercury without effect. 
Pflug has lately described certain diseased processes of the skin of the 
shoulder as tylomata. The cut surface in recent cases often appears 
cedematous, and on casual examination may easily be mistaken for a 
myxomatous growth ; the older swellings are firm and hard (tylomata 
fibrosa, Pflug). Nor is it astonishing that new growths often rise from 
the cutis or subcutis, considering the chances of infection here on account 
of the epidermis below the collar being macerated and not infrequently 
injured. Many horses in the same stable have been seen to suffer from 
this disease, the tumours appearing under the collar and producing 
inflammatory swellings from bruising. In horses, local centres of 
inflammation occur in the shoulders, forming little nodules. They 
originate in the sebaceous and hair glands, and are commonest during 
warm weather. If they remain unnoticed, and the animals be kept at 
work, inflammation spreads and abscesses form in the site of the glands. 
Prognosis of such enlargements depends on their extent and position, 
usually determined by careful palpation. Small tumours are extirpated 
with the scissors, large with the knife; when taken in hand early 
recovery is usually complete, although recurrence is not infrequent. If 
the neglected swelling attains a considerable size, possesses a broad base, 
or extends to the pre-scapular lymphatic glands, removal is more difficult, 
When convinced that these glands were implicated, Moller has repeatedly 
excised them without particular trouble or danger. The “heat bumps” 
require the animal to be kept from work, or the collar to be eased. 
Moist warmth favours their absorption. Those suppurating must be 
opened early. 
VIII.—TAPPING THE CHEST (PARACENTESIS 
THORACIS, THORACOCENTESIS). 
This operation, practised in man since the earliest times, was first 
introduced into veterinary surgery by Lafosse in 1772. It is adopted 
to remove fluids, especially pleuritic effusions, seldom to get rid of air. 
The diagnosis of such conditions is explained in the text-books on special 
pathology, and can usually be determined without the explorateur. 
In detecting empyema, however, the exploring needle is serviceable. 
Pleuritic effusions compress the lungs and diaphragm, and, interfering 
with respiratory movements, and the heart and great vessels, impair 
circulation. Tapping relieves these untoward conditions, but does not 
always arrest outpouring of fluid or save life. Hence the operation is 
often regarded as an experiment, and is only occasionally performed. 
Its timely adoption is frequently useful where the pleural cavity contains 
pus or septic materials, especially if the pus can be washed out with 
