142 ABNORMAL TEMPERATURE 



quence, heat must be got rid of, and this is brought about 

 by dilatation of the skin vessels, and by sweating. 



(2) By dilating the cutaneous vessels, and augmenting 

 radiation of heat from the body, as is effected by alcohol, 

 volatile oils, and nitrites. 



(3) By promoting secretion of sweat, and thus increasing 

 cooling evaporation, as is effected by diaphoretics. 



(4) By directly removing heat, as is effected by hydro- 

 therapy, cold baths, cold affusion, and by purgatives and 

 diuretics. 



Febrifuges are used to lower abnormal temperature, 

 whether caused by prolonged exposure to heat or by febrile 

 disease. Cinchona and its alkaloids are the remedies most 

 trusted in the treatment of the fevers of animals. They 

 mitigate the pyrexia, cut short the attack, and prevent the 

 exacerbations which characterise such cases. Antipyrine, 

 although it has little action on the temperature of healthy 

 animals, reduces abnormal temperature quickly, and usually 

 permanently. For veterinary patients it is one of the best 

 of the new fever medicines. It has been successfully used 

 in influenza, and is given both by the mouth and hypo- 

 dermically. Salicylic acid and salicylates are specialty 

 serviceable in combating the fever and pain of acute rheu- 

 matism. Alcohol, in its several forms, exerts a twofold effect, 

 diminishing oxidation and also dilating cutaneous vessels, 

 and thus accelerating cooling. Bleeding, both general and 

 local, judiciously used, lowers abnormal temperature, by 

 relieving local inflammation. Purgatives doubtless act in 

 like manner, and in some cases, moreover, relieve gastric 

 derangement, and remove disease products. Horses and 

 cattle are sometimes quickly sponged with cold or tepid 

 water, rapidly dried, and comfortably clothed. Heat is 

 thus directly removed ; the cooling functions of the skin, 

 which are impaired in most febrile attacks, are re-estab- 

 lished, and this action may be further stimulated by the 

 administration of ammonia salts, ethers, and alcohol. Very 

 essential adjuncts for ensuring the effects of antipyretics are 

 perfect rest, comfortable quarters, and a temperature of 

 about 60 Fahr. 



BLOOD-LETTING promptly and directly affects tissue 



