PERIOSTITIS. 
151 
The articular inflammation spoken of above usually terminates fa¬ 
vorably, the serous effusion into the joint being reabsorbed as the dis¬ 
ease of the bone subsides, although the joint may remain permanently 
enlarged and sometimes stiff. Fortunately this acute form of periostitis 
and osteomyelitis, is much more rare than the chronic form of which 
we see so much in veterinary practice. The symptoms of chronic 
periostitis are slight pain, some swelling of the parts around the diseased 
bone, pressure causing severe pain, and leaving the impress of the fingers 
evident. - This form of periostitis unless cut short will end either in 
ulceration of the surface of the bone (caries), or in the deposit of bone- 
salts upon the surface. Chronic inflammation of the periosteum, may 
last for months or even years, and subside as gradually as it began. 
Microscopical examination shows a distention of the blood vessels and 
plastic infiltration of the loose, or outer layer of the periosteum. If 
there be present also superficial chronic ostitis, the pain will be greater 
than where periostitis occurs alone. According to Billroth, the deposit 
of osseous tissue, which takes place upon the surface of the bone, as a 
result of chronic periostitis comes first from the bone, and as the deposit 
proceeds outward, the periosteum assists in the deposition of the cal¬ 
careous salts, and hence plays only a secondary part, instead of being, 
as was formerly supposed, the only tissue engaged in the new formation. 
The treatment of acute periostitis, must be severe and resorted to 
early. The part of the limb affected, should be well blistered with 
cantharides ointment, or painted with strong tincture of iodine, and the 
animal allowed to rest in slings. Purgatives and diuretics will do good 
by acting as derivatives. If there is suppuration with continuous fever, 
the application of cold will relieve the pain. In the treatment of 
chronic periostitis and superficial ostitis, entire rest is the first impor¬ 
tant step to be enjoined, and as our aim in treating is to induce resolu¬ 
tion, the use of antiphlogistics, and the application of cold do but little 
good, and are really a w*aste of valuable time. Strong counter-irritants 
should be resorted to at once, as firing, blistering, &c. 
If suppuration has taken place, the pus must be let out with the 
scalpel, and the wounds treated as is commonly done. If caries is pre¬ 
sent, the diseased bone tissue must be removed, and the cavity allowed 
to fill up with healthy granulations, after which the healing of the wounds 
of the soft tissues will be easily effected, 
[to be continued.] 
