254 
R. H. HARRISON. 
ting a small catheter to the depth of several inches. Its opening 
was situated on a line with the anterior part of the small ischiatic 
notch. In every other respect the animal was in perfect health 
and condition. A doubtful prognosis was given, on account of 
the liability of the abscess extending more anteriorly into the 
pelvis. 
Treatment .—The most prominent part of the swelling, over 
the ischial tuberosity, was explored with an aspirator trochar, and 
pus being found, an incision about an inch long was made, and a 
pint and a half of dark colored, thin, foetid pus was evacuated by 
pressure, externally and through the rectum. The cavity of the 
abscess was thoroughly washed out with carbolic solution injected 
through the incision, and escaping through the rectum. A seton 
was then introduced through the incision and fistulous tract and 
rectum, and secured externally. The following day the discharge 
of pus was very abundant and laudable in character. The injection 
of carbolic solution was continued, and the cavity of the abscess 
was frequently emptied by pressure several times a day. For 
three weeks the same treatment was observed, together with half 
an hour’s walking exercise daily. The seton was then removed, 
and the discharge gradually decreased until only five drachms 
were evacuated during the day. For a month no special improve¬ 
ment had taken place, the discharge remaining about the same 
and continuing healthy. The patient also seemed to suffer this 
drain on his system with no evil results. Solutions of chloride 
of zinc from four grains to an ounce, tincture aloes, diluted Vil- 
late’s solution were injected, and the discharge was decreased to 
two drachms daily. At this period the discharge remained the 
same for over two weeks, when there remained only a narrow but 
long fistulous tract. As a final resort, a solution of from six 
grains to an ounce of nitrate of silver was injected for two con¬ 
secutive days. The effect was almost immediate, the discharge 
stopping altogether, and the incision, which had been growing 
smaller, healed. 
The patient was discharged and has since done very well. 
Close observation is necessary to detect the cicatrix which followed 
the incision. 
