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DIAGNOSIS OF MOUTH AFFECTIONS. 1S5

abscesses in various parts of the body, which results from the
invasion of micro-organisms and their growth into colonies and
in such a manner establishing independent centres of suppuration.
It never occurs before suppuration has been established. It is
caused by suppurating wounds, and usually when the formation
of pus is most active, although it may commence during any
stage of the suppurating process. Pus microbes are the active
cause of the disease, and it is more common to men of middle age,
than to women, or children, or even the aged. The pus microbes
cause the adhesion of the blood-corpuscles and the formation of
thrombi (or clots of blood formed within the heart or in blood
vessels). The symptoms of pyemia are chills, increase of tem-
perature 104° to 106° F., ending in a profuse perspiration, a de-
crease of temperature to normal or lower. The fever is of an
irregular, intermittent type, and the development of secondary
abscesses is indicated by febrile exacerbations, and local inflam-
matory symptoms. Swelling of the parotid gland with the for-
mation of metastatic abscesses is sometimes a symptom of this
affection. The breath has a sweetish, purulent odor, the pulse
becomes weak and rapid, and the strength rapidly fails. The
tongue becomes dry and brown-coated, and the teeth and gums
are coated with sordes. Erythematous patches appear, which
have a tendency to form pustules. The prognosis is verv un-
favorable in acute cases of pyemia.
Treatment.—The treatment is in a great degree prophylactic to
prevent suppuration, and antiseptic treatment is indicated, and the
wound rendered asceptic. Metastatic abscesses must be at once
opened and disinfected. The constitutional treatment consists of
nutritious and easily digested food, and alcoholic stimulants. Qui-
nine in large doses is often employed, and carbonate of ammonium
and digitalis during the stage of prostration. Pyemia resulting from
aveolar abscesses demands the extraction of the affected tooth
and curretting the abscess cavity, and after irrigating with anti-
septic solutions, the cavitv should be packed with antiseptic gauze,
or iodoform gauze, and this continued until a healthy granulating
surface is formed.
Shock and Collapse.—Shock is the depression of the vital pow-