Many dogs are afflicted with abscesses, which make their appearance upon the throat, and, rarely, upon other portions of the body. They are invariably caused by inflammation, which may be the result of a sudden cold, blows or wounds. It is one of the old teachings that this trouble is usually the result of an impure state of the blood or weakened condition of the bodily health. That these conditions have even a predisposing influence toward the formation of an abscess I do not believe; that they do, however, indirectly have much influence for evil in the case is beyond doubt. It is undoubtedly true, in very many instances, when the animal is out of condition, that slight disturbances eventuate in the formation of an abscess, when, were the dog in vigorous health, the inflamma-tion would subside naturally or the incipient formation become absorbed. Were this old teaching grounded in truth, then would feeble old age become hideous indeed in its weakness; but dogs of riper years, in spite of impure blood and enfeebled frame, are nearly exempt from this trouble. Their thews and sinews, case-hardened by the hand of time, bid defiance to disturbances that would, in more tender tissues, work serious harm. Often greater constitutional vigor comes with maturity.

When an abscess, one not the result of a wound, appears, it may be cured in its first stages by painting it lightly with tincture of iodine, two or three times, at intervals of three or four hours. If it does not yield to this treatment readily, it should be poulticed with flaxseed meal mixed with warm water, and applied to it, renewing the poultice when it becomes nearly dry. Continue this treatment until you can readily detect a soft spot, which may be discovered by slight pressure of the finger, usually at or near the most prominent part of the swelling. When this place is considerably softer than the surrounding parts, it should be opened with a sharp knife, using great caution that you do not cut too deep, Do not be afraid of making the opening too large, as it is important that the fluid formed should all be expelled. Do not, in any case, squeeze or press the swelling in order to obtain a free discharge, as the consequent irritation will work harm instead of good. Always open it downward to the very lowest or pendent portion of the swelling, in order that you may not leave a sac or pocket to retain a portion of the fluid, and thereby retard recovery.

In ordinary cases this treatment will be all that is necessary. Complete recovery will take place in a few days. In obstinate cases, where the cause of the trouble is deeply seated, it may be necessary to keep the incision open for a day or two by the insertion of a small fragment of soft sponge, which should first be dipped in boiling water to cleanse it. Or perhaps it may be necessary to syringe out the opening. If this is done, use a small glass syringe filled with blood-warm castile soap suds, to which has been added two or three drops of tincture of myrrh. Be very gentle in using the syringe, and at all times keep the swelling and adjacent parts clean and dry. Use a soft sponge and warm water to cleanse the abscess, and dry with a soft cloth. Upon the first appearance of the trouble your dog should be fed upon simple, nourishing food.

Epsom salts, in level teaspoonful doses, may be given three times a day for two or three days, taking care that the patient is not exposed to wet or to sudden changes of heat or cold, and that he does not become heated by exercise. Indeed, it is best to keep him as quiet as possible until considerable improvement is manifest.

I have given this subject more space perhaps than is warranted by its importance, as this trouble is very rarely a serious one; but to the beginner it is nearly always the cause of much unnecessary solicitude. This is also the case with many of the ailments to which dogs are subject. When the owner is inexperienced, much useless worry is often expended over his pet, and he is impelled, by his anxiety, to administer to it medicine that it does not need, and that often converts the slight and transient indisposition into serious illness.