BATHS 705 



its saline ingredients, and the constant movement of the 

 waves, a sea bath is more exhilarating than fresh water 

 at rest. Healthful reaction is encouraged by thorough 

 drying, hand-rubbing, clothing, and, if need be, by subse- 

 quent administration of stimulants. Cold baths are some- 

 times used for reducing excessive temperature. The patient 

 may be placed in water at 80 or 90 Fahr., and the tempera- 

 ture reduced to 60 Fahr., or even lower ; or he may be 

 placed at once in a bath of 60 to 50 Fahr. ; or he may have 

 cold water dashed over him. Such baths reduce abnormal 

 temperature from 1 to 4 Fahr., and accordingly diminish 

 excessive and dangerous tissue change. 



Tepid baths range from 65 to 85 Fahr. They cleanse 

 the skin, promote perspiration, allay thirst, and are grateful 

 to heated and overtaxed horses. They are useful not only 

 in promoting comfort, but, after hard work, in removing 

 stiffness alike in horses and dogs. 



Warm baths range from 85 to 97 Fahr. They soften 

 the epidermis, and hence relieve erythematous and chronic 

 skin disorders. They dilate cutaneous vessels, promote 

 sweating, and thus antagonise internal congestion. 



Hot baths range from 97 Fahr. upwards, and, if the 

 temperature be gradually increased, may be raised to 110 

 Fahr. Hot baths elevate the temperature of the body, 

 quicken the pulse and respiration, dilate the skin capillaries, 

 and hasten excretion of waste. They soothe animals which 

 have been subjected to severe muscular exertion, relieve 

 cramps and colic, benefit chronic skin disorders, and check 

 catarrh, rheumatism, and lymphangitis. 



Baths are often medicated. Salt or mustard may be added 

 to increase skin stimulation ; carbonate of soda or potash 

 is useful in some chronic skin disorders ; solutions of 

 arsenious acid, tobacco juice, creolin, and other parasiticides 

 are introduced when skin parasites are to be destroyed. 

 Antiseptic baths are employed for poisoned and offensive 

 wounds, canker, thrush, and other diseases of the foot ; 

 and astringent baths form an excellent remedy for cracked 

 heels. 



Turkish, vapour, steam, and Russian baths are not used 

 for the lower animals as frequently and systematically as 



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