323 THE HORSE. 



begins Ic ch?nge; until the strong pulse of fever becomes softer, or 

 tlie animal is famt, or the oppressed pulse of inflammation of the lungs is 

 rounder and fuller. 



In cases of inflammation, and in the hands of a skilful practitioner, 

 bleeding is the sheet-anchor of the veterinarian ; yet few things are more 

 to be reprobated than the indiscriminate bleeding of the groom or the 

 farrier. 



The change which takes place in the blood after it is drawn from the 

 vein is very diligently noticed by many practitioners, and is certainly de- 

 serving of some attention. The blood coagulates soon after it is taken from 

 the vein. The coagulable part is composed of two substances, that which 

 gives colour to the blood, and that in which the red particles float. These 

 by degrees separate from each otlier, and the red particles sink to the bottom. 

 If the coagulation takes place slowly, the red particles have more time to 

 sink through the fluid, and there appears on the top a thick, yellowish, 

 adhesive coat, called the bufly coat. It is supposed that the slowness of 

 coagulation, and the thickness of buffy coat, are indicative of inflammation, 

 and of the degree of inflammation. 



In a healthy state of the system, the coagulation is more rapid, the 

 red particles have not time to fall through, and the bufly coat is thin. 

 These appearances are worth observing ; but much more dependence is 

 to be placed on the pulse, the change of the pulse, and tlie symptoms 

 generally. When the horse is exhausted, and the system nearly broken 

 up, the blood will sometimes not coagulate at all, but be of one uniform 

 black colour and loose texture. When the blood runs down the side of 

 the vessel iu which it is received, the coagulation will be very imperfect. 

 When it is drawn in a full stream, it coagulates slowly ; when more slowly, 

 or from a smaller orifice, the coagulation is more rapid ; therefore, all these 

 extraneous circumstances affecting so much the coagulation and consequent 

 appearance of the blood, the pulse, and the general symptoms, should be 

 the chief objects of regard. 



BLISTERING. 



Of Blisters we have also spoken when treating of the various diseases 

 to which they are applicable. The principle on which they act is, that no 

 two intense inflammations can exist in neighbouring parts, or perhaps in 

 the system, at the same time. Hence we apply some stimulating acrimo- 

 nious substance to the skin, to excite external inflammation, and to lessen 

 or draw away inflammation in some deeper-seated, and generally not far- 

 distant part. Thus we blister the sides in inflammation of the lungs; 

 the belly, in that of the bowels ; the legs, in that of the cellular substance 

 surrounding the sheaths of the tendons, or the sheaths themselves, and the 

 coronet or the heel in inflammation of the navicular-joint. 



Blisters have likewise the property of increasing the activity of the 

 neighbouring vessels: thus we blister to bring the tumour of strangles 

 more speedily to a head ; we blister to rouse the absorbents to more 

 energetic action, and take away tumours, and callous and even bony 

 substances. 



The judgment of the practitioner will decide when the desired effect will 



be best produced by a sudden and violent action, or by the continuance of 



one of a milder nature. Inflammation should be met by active blisters ; 



■ old enlargements and swellings will be most certainly removed by milder 



stimulants — by the process which farriers call sweating doum. 



There is no better blister ointment or active blister than the Spanish 

 fly, mixed with the proportions of lard and resin already mentioned, 



