472 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



steam. Besides the burns caused by flames and steam, there are other 

 causative agents, such as chemicals (caustic alkalis and acids), light- 

 ning stroke, and occasionally the broken trolley wires of electric rail- 

 ways. When a large surface of the skin is burned or scalded, the ani- 

 mal (if he does not die at once from shock) will soon show signs of 

 fever — shivering, coldness of the extremities, weakness, restlessness, 

 quick and feeble pulse, and labored breathing. Xo matter which 

 agent is a factor in the production of burns, the lesions are practi- 

 cally of the same nature. The extent and site of the burn should lead 

 one in the determination and course of treatment. Burns of the 

 shoulder and those about the region of the elbow or other parts 

 where there is much movement of the tissues are grave, and, if at all 

 extensive, treatment should not be attempted, but the immediate 

 destruction of the animal is advised. A burn of the third degree, 

 where there is a destruction of the vitality of large areas of tissue, 

 even on parts not subject to much motion, is extremely tedious to 

 treat; in fact, it is questionable whether the treatment and keep of 

 the animal will ever be compensated for, even though recover}^ does 

 take jDlace, which, in any event, will require at least six or eight 

 weeks. Those due to lightning stroke and trolley wires are likely to 

 occur in irregular lines, and, unless death occurs at once, they are not 

 likel}^ to prove serious. 



Treatment. — Treatment should be prompt and effective. If the 

 burns are extensive the constitutional symptoms should be combated 

 with whisky and milk and eggs, or ammonia carbonate, strychnine, 

 caffein, and other stimulants to prevent shock. In the local treat- 

 ment, to alleviate the pain, the application of cold water in some form 

 and the hypodermic injection of morphine are to be recommended. 

 In burns of the first degTee, where there is only a superficial inflam- 

 mation, lead carbonate (white lead) ointment is very good. Carron 

 oil (limewater and linseed oil, equal parts) is a standard remedy, 

 but a modification of it known as Stahl's liniment is perhaps better; 

 this liniment is composed of linseed oil and limewater each 200 parts, 

 bicarbonate soda 100 parts, and thymol 1 part. This liniment should 

 be applied freely to the scorched surface and covered with a layer 

 of borated gauze or absorbent cotton to protect it from the air. Re- 

 new the aj^plication frequently. Carbolated vaseline may be used 

 in place of the above. In case the burn is more extensive, the fol- 

 lowing solution may be used: Picric acid 2 parts, alcohol 40 parts, 

 water 400 parts. The lesion should be thoroughly cleansed with this 

 solution used on absorbent cotton. The vesicles, if any appear, 

 should be opened with a clean needle, allowing the skin to remain. 

 Strips of gauze or absorbent cotton saturated with the solution should 

 now be applied and renewed only occasionally. In burns of the sec- 

 ond and third degrees more satisfactory results may be obtained with 



