t fomentations
or poultices are sometimes required for a day or two after an abscess
has opened, and are particularly indicated when the base of the abscess
is hard and indurated.

The cavity should be thoroughly washed with stimulating antiseptic
solutions, such as 3 per cent solution of carbolic acid, 3 per cent
solution of compound cresol, 1 to 1,000 bichlorid of mercury, or 1 per
cent permanganate of potash solution. If the abscesses are foul and bad
smelling, their cavities should first be syringed with 1 part of
hydrogen peroxid to 2 parts of water and then followed by the injection
of any of the above-mentioned antiseptics.

COLD ABSCESSES.

Cold abscess is the term applied to those large, indolent swellings that
are the result of a low or chronic form of inflammation, in the center
of which there is a small collection of pus. They are often seen near
the point of the shoulder, forming the so-called breast boil. The
swelling is diffuse and of enormous extent, but slightly hotter than
surrounding parts, and not very painful upon pressure. A pronounced
stiffness, rather than pain, is evinced upon moving the animal. Such
abscesses have the appearance of a hard tumor, surrounded by a softer
edematous swelling, involving the tissues to the extent of a foot or
more in all directions from the tumor. This diffused swelling gradually
subsides and leaves the large, hardened mass somewhat well defined. One
of the characteristics of cold abscesses is their tendency to remain in
the same condition for a great length of time. There is neither heat nor
soreness; no increase nor lessening in the size of the tumor; it remains
in statu quo. If, however, the animal should be put to work for a short
time the irritation of the collar causes the surrounding tissues to
assume again an edematous condition, which after a few days' rest
disappears, leaving the tumor as before or but slightly larger. Upon
careful manipulation we may discover what appears to be a fluid deep
seated in the center of the mass. The quantity of matter so contained is
very small--often not more than a tablespoonful--and for this reason it
can not, in all cases, be detected.

Cold abscesses are mostly, if not always, caused by the long-continued
irritation of a loose and badly fitting collar. There is a slow
inflammatory action going on, which results in the formation of a small
quantity of matter inclosed in very thick and but partially organized
walls tha