BURNS AND SCALDS. 221 



Scalds of a dangerous kind are more rarely seen in the lower 

 animals than in man. I have seen cases of boiling liquids 

 from brewers' vats falling over the hips of horses, and occa- 

 sionally hot steam, as well as boiling water, in manufactories 

 accidentally injure animals. The pain the animals experi- 

 ence is very great, the excoriation which results is extensive 

 and rapid. The red skin, unless speedily and effectually 

 protected, suppurates or mortifies; the animal is dull and 

 very feverish, and with extensive burns, death may result in 

 a few hours. 



Thirdly, Deep burns, followed by sloughing, are seen in 



lirnals that are rescued from burning buildings, or when 

 operation of deep and close firing is unwisely resorted 

 Animals sometimes die of shock with this variety of 

 i, or they recover for a time, and are liable to secondary 



Fections of other parts of the body. 



Treatment. The means found most advantageous to give 

 slief in cases of burn and scald are \stly, Protection of 

 ie part from contact with foreign objects, and especially 

 exposure to air; %ndly, The application of evaporating 

 and sedative lotions ; Srdly, Attention to the state of the 

 system generally, especially to the condition of the bowels 

 and kidneys. 



It is necessary to caution farmers against the use of 

 agents which clog the surface of the skin, such as oils and 

 ointments. I have known an animal to have suffered for 

 long with ulceration of the skin of the back, from the use of 

 the common turpentine or digestive ointment, after a burn 

 resulting from a portion of burning timber falling on the 

 back. The most soothing application is a lotion composed 

 of equal parts of sulphuric ether, or chloroform, and spirit 

 of wine; and to each ounce of this mixture half a grain 

 of morphia is added. Flour may be dredged over the skin 



