8 Feb., 1907.] 



Diseases of Farm Animals. 



77 



The quantity of fluid injected varies, but it is inadvisable that the 

 rectum should be over-distended, as in that case the fluid will be quicklv 

 parted with. The most benefit accrues when the injection is held for a 

 time. The fluid to be injected may be medicated ^vith opium in cases. 

 of violent abdominal pain, or with anti septirs in cases of flatulent colic. 



Fig. 15. — Funnel Enema. 



Fig. 16. — Pump Enema. 



Fomenting and Bathing and Poulticing. 



Fomentation, in the strict sense, means the application of hot water 

 to a part, but the term is also commonlv used in reference to cold appli- 

 cations. Somewhat diverse opinions are held by practitioners as to the 

 occasion on which hot or cold applications respectively are indicated. A 

 good general rule to be guided by is that when pain is great, hot appli- 

 cations are best, inasmuch as by the swelling they tend to produce, the 

 pain is relieved. On the other hand, cold applications are best for 

 sprains and the like injuries, if the pain is not great, as they tend to 

 retard swelling. Cold applications are also indicated in wounds, such 

 as open joint, open tendon sheath, compound fracture, and the like, where 

 liability to septic infection is great, or almost inevitable. They then act 

 beneficiaJly by retarding the multiplication of bacteria in the tissues.. 

 The so-called " drawing " action of poultices and hot applications is to a- 

 great extent due to the multiplication of bacteria under the favorable 

 influence of warmth and consequent ina-eased suppuration. 



Hot Fomentations are applied to the feet and lower parts of the- 

 limbs by placing the foot or feet in a strong bucket or tub of warm Avater ; 

 to the limbs by means of flannel bandages ; and to the chest, abdomen, 

 loins, or other part by means of a blanket wrung out of hot water, and 

 closely applied to the part. The heat in the latter case may be con- 

 tinuously replenished by pouring hot water gently on to the upper portion 

 of the blanket from the spout of a teapot or kettle. As a rule, the appli- 

 cation of hot water should be persisted in for one or two hours at a time, 

 or until the pain or distress is obviouslv relieved, and on ceasing, the 

 parts should be protected from a " chill " by covering or bandaging with 



