5 
THE HORSE’S FOOT. 
and to a sufficient length, and if necessary to make several par¬ 
allel incisions which will give rise to a copious flow of blood. In 
this mode the parts are relieved, the pressure of the tumefaction 
is reduced and the gangrene diminished, if not entirely prevented. 
It is necessary—and we insist on this point—to incise so deeply 
that the tumefied skin is divided in its entire thickness. We have 
seen blacksmiths thus operate by the introduction of points of 
cauterization in the summit of the abscess; but this mode, though 
facilitating the sloughing of the strangulated part and reducing 
the compression, ought not to be preferred to the incision with a 
sharp instrument—cauterization is more painful. 
When gangrene exists and the abscess is open, the incision is 
certainly less efficacious than at the outset, but it is not for that 
reason useless, as it relieves the pain and prevents excessive com¬ 
pression. We do not by it attempt to loosen the slough, which it 
is advantageous to have detaching loose itself when it holds only 
by its base. If the abscess, once formed, is slow to ulcerate, 
making a point of cauterization is a good way to stimulate the 
escape of the matter of the slough. This mode of opening produces 
in the part an increase of vital action and forms a sore of benign 
character, which falls off by the effect of the suppuration formed 
underneath, and which is nearly always followed by a compara¬ 
tively speedy recovery. To obtain this radical cure it remains to 
continue the use of the ordinary means to facilitate suppuration 
and bring on resolution. If the wound is pale and covered at 
the bottom with large granulations,'it must be dressed first with 
basilicon ointment and afterward^with alcoholic liquids, as spirits 
of camphor, tincture of aloes, or simply an aromatic infusion • 
at times baths of sulphate of iron, with [a little sulphate of cop¬ 
per, are indicated; or, when the ,, wound has become red, the 
granulations vascular and of healthy character, a simple dressing 
of cegyptiacum ointment, diluted in vinegar, is enough. If proud 
flesh develops itself, it must be cut off. It is important to have 
the wound covered with a protecting dressing, which must be re¬ 
newed daily if the suppuration is very abundant, or it may some¬ 
times be left on for two days. 
(To l)e continued .) 
