The skin of the dog is so very sensitive, that dogs should not be treated in the same manner as other animals; also it is very absorbent, hence in that animal a larger surface than is necessary should not be treated, nor a large quantity of the lotion or ointment used at one time, about the body in particular. When rubbing is indicated, it should be done gently.
Abscess
There are two distinct kinds of swellings containing matter. The causes are much the same, namely: blows, bites, stings, and thorns. The most frequent are the class called serous, and the situation of them is about the head and neck. These are the parts where dogs grapple with one another, either in earnest or in those mimic battles in which pups specially delight to engage. The symptoms of abscess are sudden swelling, great tenderness and stiffness; often the ear flap is affected: it is filled with fluid and stands up, though it may belong to a lop-eared animal.
Treatment
In the majority of cases, the matter can be entirely dispersed by using an ointment. It should be rubbed in night and morning with a good deal of massage. If too late for dispersal, it will be necessary to run a sterile sharp needle, threaded with gauze, should be passed from the highest point to the lowest and pulled backwards and forwards at least once a day. This treatment prevents the re-formation of abscess, causes a healthy discharge, and leaves no blemish.
If the inside of the flap of the ear is involved, it is no use to apply the ointment as a preventive, but the skin on the hairless portion should be ripped up from end to end and a small compress with some mild ointment, must be squeezed into the wound. If this is not done, it fills up again in a single night.
The other sort of abscess is what is commonly called a boil, in human flesh, and contains pus or thick matter, instead of the straw-colored thin fluid found in serous abscesses. The formation is slower and even more painful. Dispersal is not very hopeful unless the first appearance of swelling and tenderness is detected. The use of ointment is used here recommended to bring the abscess to a head, or as the surgeons say, make it “point.” When a thin place can be distinctly felt, it is time to lance it. There should be no hesitation, a bold stab hurts less than a nervously given one, and will let all the matter out at once. The discharge is to be encouraged by warm fomentation, not hotter than one can bear the elbow in, and should be followed by a dressing inside the new-made wound. A healthy action is thus set up, and early and complete recovery may be looked for.
