All that can be done, therefore, is slightly to open up the sinuses and wash them out frequently with antiseptic solutions, such as boiled water, sublimate glycerine, carbolic glycerine, etc., afterwards applying antiseptic dressings. These methods, however, are scarcely likely to put an end to infectious complications such as suppurative polyarthritis.
There is no danger in using strong carbolic solution, 3 per cent. creolin, 4 per cent. chloride of zinc, sulphate of copper, etc. Should there be several sinuses and should one of them extend in a backward direction, it is necessary to make certain that no communication exists between the urachus and the bladder. For this purpose some boiled water may be injected into the sinus. If a communication exist, this water will fill the bladder and distend the urachus. The treatment necessary in this case is similar to that of persistence of the urachus.
It is well in all cases to be guided by the following principle: never to resort to treatment unless suppuration has occurred and the sinus is blind. To check suppuration a blister may be applied around the umbilical region while means are taken to prevent the animal licking the parts.
Chassaing in 1886 suggested a rather original method of operation which deserves description. It is founded on the permanent treatment of sinuses, and consists in introducing a flexible osier stick, a kind of bougie, enveloped in tow and moistened with the following mixture:
| Collodion | 3 parts. |
| Sublimate | 1 part. |
This is introduced for a distance of 3 to 4 inches into the fistula, and is fixed to the skin with gutta-percha or pitch. The dressing is renewed every five or six days, and healing takes place, it is said, in one, two, or at most three weeks.
It is very likely that if the sinuses were previously cleared and simply plugged with antiseptics or treated by introducing pencils of salol, nitrate of silver, sulphate of copper, iodoform, etc., at least as good results might be obtained.
CHAPTER V.
DISEASES OF THE BLOOD.
SEPTICÆMIA OF NEW-BORN ANIMALS.
The above title is given to that exceedingly fatal disease commonly known as “white scour,” etc., the mortality in which often rises to 95 per cent.