INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is associated with most surgical conditions. It is dealt with in works on pathology,
and only requires to be referred to here from a clinical point of view. It is a salutary process by
which nature effects repair of damaged tissues. Its intensity varies with the degree of injury to the
part.

The cause may be—

1. Mechanical (blow, sprain).

2. Physical (excessive cold or heat).

3. Chemical (caustics).

4. Micro-organisms

SYMPTOMS—

The symptoms of inflammation comprise—

1. Abnormal heat - Abnormal heat is recognised chiefly by palpation, comparing the temperature
of the part with that of a corresponding place on the other side of the body or with the normal
temperature of the region.

2. Swelling - The swelling varies according to the nature of the inflammation. It is more marked
in vascular than in non-vascular structures, and in loose areolar than in hard tissues.

3. Redness - The redness is only seen in the non-pigmented skin and is due to the h3rper3emia
and to extravasation of blood when blood vessels are ruptured.

4. Pain - The pain varies with the acuteness of the inflammation, the nerve supply of the region,
and the tenseness and hardness of the overlying tissues. It is caused by compression of nerve
terminals and probably also by neuritis of the nerves in the affected part
TERMINATIONS OF INFLAMMATION

The terminations of inflammation may be—

1. Delitescence, in which the inflammation suddenly subsides, owing to its having been very
slight.

2. Resolution. After the process has been completed the inflammatory exudate becomes
reabsorbed, the damaged tissue is repaired by the new formation of fibrous tissue, and the affected
part apparently resumes its normal condition, although histologically it is not quite the same as it
was before the receipt of the injury.

3. Suppuration. In this case pyogenic organisms have been the cause of the condition, setting up
an abscess or other form of suppuration, but eventually resolution supervenes, provided that a fatal
toxaemia has not ensued.

4. Gangrene. Although this is often spoken of as a termination of inflammation, it would be more

correctly described as an accompaniment of the lesion, being due to the cause which gave rise to
the inflammation, the damage to the affected tissues being so severe that it caused their destruction
en masse.

5. Induration. This has been already alluded to as resulting from chronic inflammation.

TREATMENT OF ACUTE INFLAMMATION

Removal of the cause—The only real rational treatment of inflammation is to suppress its cause.
If the cause is still operating when the case is presented for treatment, its removal has a marked
and rapid effect; Apart from this the treatment has for its object the moderation of the
inflammation, chiefly with a view to alleviating the pain and functional disturbance to which it has
given rise.

The following forms of treatment are in vogue :

1. Cold and astringent, applications. These comprise cold compresses frequently renewed, cold-
water irrigation, cold baths, or ice or snow and astringent lotions. This method of treatment is only
indicated for slight inflammatory conditions. In which the tissues are not threatened with death,
which would be accelerated by the use of cold, whose effect is to constringe the blood vessels,
thereby diminishing the supply of blood to the region and curtailing the exudation and diapedesis.

2. Warm applications are indicated in severe inflammatory affections in which the tissues are
seriously injured and apt to undergo gangrene. They promote circulation in the damaged region,
restoring the blood supply in parts where it has been almost arrested, and thus prevent death of the
affected tissues. They also soften the inflamed structures, thus releasing tension and relieving pain.
These applications may be in the form of fomentations, compresses, poultices, or baths at a
temperature of 104°-112° F.

3. Anodyne preparation, such as cocainised vaseline or iodoform, ointment made with vaseline
are indicated for very painful superficial lesions.

4. Scarification of the inflamed tissues may be performed to relieve tension and pain, but it has
the objection that it opens the way for infection, which may ensue, with serious consequences, if
careful antiseptic precautions are not taken.

5. Antiseptic applications are required for septic inflammatory lesions, as exemplified by septic
wounds .

6. Bier’s hyperemic treatment may be employed with marked effect for inflammatory septic
lesions .

7. Massage and compression. Compression is produced by an even layer of cotton-wool covered

by a bandage sufficiently tight to create moderate pressure without having an uncomfortable effect.
It promotes absorption by supporting the circulation.

Subacute and Chronic Inflammation

Subacute and chronic inflanunation may be treated by moist heat, massage, compression, and
counter-irritation.

Counter-irritation may be effected by rubefacients, blisters, and pustulants or by the actual cautery,
which is a blistering or caustic agent according to the way it is used .
Recommended book

1. Dollar's Veterinary Surgery (4th edition) - J. J. O'Connor

2. Essentials of veterinary Surgery (8th Edition) - A Venugopalan