BLISTERING 289 



Such is the power of blisters, that they will excite the 

 absorbents to greater energy, and by this means they 

 will carry away tumours, and callous, and even bony 

 substances. 



In the application of blisters there is some nicety 

 required to determine when a stronger or weaker one 

 must be applied ; whether by long-continued, or 

 sudden and violent action, the desired effect is most 

 likely to be produced. In inflammatory cases, strong 

 blisters will be found best ; but in old and long- 

 seated tumours and swellings, milder means must 

 be adopted. 



It is necessary to prepare the skin of the horse for 

 a blister, by clipping off or shaving closely all the hair 

 of the part where it is to be applied, and also washing 

 the skin. The best composition for a blister is Spanish 

 flies, lard, and resin, in the following proportions, 

 viz. : 



Powdered Spanish flies i ounce, 



Powdered resin ..... i ounce, 

 Lard 4 ounces. 



Mix the lard and resin together and then add the 

 Spanish flies. This should be thoroughly rubbed in, 

 otherwise it will not rise. After the application of a 

 blister the head of the horse must be tied up for at 

 least three days, to prevent him from disfiguring the 

 part with his teeth, as well as injuring his muzzle. If, 

 however, the sides are blistered, the clothes may be 

 so fixed that he will be unable to reach the part. 

 When the blistering ointment has remained on for 

 three days, the part may be rubbed with a little olive 

 oil, which will assist in alleviating the pain, as well as 

 in softening the skin and preventing it from cracking, 

 which it is liable to do, and these become difficult to 

 heal. The oil must be applied morning and evening 



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