ABSCESS.
—A collection of pus in a new-formed cavity in the body. It has a well-defined wall surrounding it. An abscess is the result of entrance of micro-organisms into the body. They may have entered through wounds or into the hair follicles, or abscesses may result from infectious diseases, as strangles or distemper in the horse. At the seat of the abscess formation swelling occurs, the part feels warmer than the surrounding tissue, is painful to touch, and hard. These conditions are due to the inflammation of the part. Later it becomes soft, less sensitive, and fluctuates, which shows that it is coming to a head, or that the pus is collecting. If the skin is white it will show a yellow color in the center, which is usually raised above the surface, and the hair falls out. This soon breaks and discharges pus.
It is advisable to hasten the ripening of the abscess by hot applications in form of poultices, or a large pack of cotton saturated with hot bichloride of mercury 1 part to 1,000 parts of water, or use some one of the coal tar dips 1 part to 50 parts of water. The application of a light blister will often hasten ripening. When the pus has collected or the abscess has come to a head, it should be opened at the lowest part in order to give free drainage to the pus contained within.
Great care should be used in opening abscesses—not to cut blood vessels which might be in the vicinity. In case the abscess breaks of its own accord, it is often necessary to enlarge the opening, in order to give free drainage for the pus. If the abscess is large or deep-seated it should be washed out each day with bichloride of mercury 1 part to water 1,000 parts, or with a 2 per cent solution of some one of the coal tar dips. After it is opened do not apply bandages, as they prevent the free escape of pus. Do not allow the opening to close until it heals from the bottom; or, in other words, as long as it secretes pus, for there is danger of its breaking out again. If the opening is too high up, or not large enough, it may result in a running sore or fistula.