PART I.
Diseases of Horses
CHAPTER I.
DISEASES OF THE SKIN and SUBJACENT TISSUE
Abscess—Ulcers—Fistulas
An abscess is a collection of matter. Any tumor softening, or in other words coming to a head, forms an abscess. They are usually the result of injuries, such as a blow or contusion, or may be occasioned by a thorn, nail or splinter entering the flesh. In the more severe cases these act in connection with a constitutional predisposition or peculiar state of the blood.
Symptoms.—A hot and painful swelling; in the earlier stage, hard, and by degrees softening or fluctuating in the center, and gradually approaching the surface, attended with more or less heat and fever, according to its situation and nature.
Abscesses which penetrate deeply along the sheaths of muscles and tendons, or even to the bones are termed FISTULAS. Shallow abscesses are known as ulcers, and these may be mild, readily healing, and secreting a healthy, thick, cream-like pus; or ill-conditioned, unhealthy, secreting a thin sanious discolored matter, and healing with great difficulty. Such are the general characteristics of all abscesses, wherever located, and their situation and extent mark their relative importance and danger.
Treatment.—During the inflammatory stage or before softening, while there is merely a hard, more or less hot and painful tumor, we should endeavor to disperse it without its softening. To this end, give three times per day, ten drops of A.A., and also bathe the tumor as often with Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel which will frequently disperse it.
But if the swelling increases and fluctuates, or a yellowish spot is observed in its center, denoting the presence of matter, it should be lanced at once, in the most depending portion, and the matter drawn off, and fifteen drops of the I.I., should be given morning and night to facilitate the healing. Apply the Veterinary Oil to the cut or open sore with end of the finger, three times per day, to facilitate the healing.
For Ulcers or Sores, apply the Veterinary Oil, as above.
In fistulas where the canal is long and crooked, or runs into cavities of pus, it may be laid open with the knife, so as to heal from the bottom, or better, the Veterinary Oil may be injected daily, with a small syringe, or the Oil may be inclosed in a gelatine capsule and gently pressed down into the bottom of the cavity, after having pressed out the accumulated matter. The use of the capsule (which may be had for a trifle at the druggists, or from this Company), is the safest and most convenient.