MUSTARD PLASTERS 33 



MUSTARD PLASTERS 



The parts to which mustard plasters are most frequently applied are the 

 chest and abdomen, the throat, the windpipe as far down as the breast, and 

 the sides over the surface of the ribs. 



A bowl or basin, a wooden spoon, and a jug of warm water are all the 

 accessories required. Boiling water is not only unnecessary in the prepa- 

 ration of a mustard plaster, but positively objectionable on account of its 

 driving off the active principle and reducing the potency of the mustard. 

 Unless the patient has a long coat, mustard may be mixed with water in 

 the proportion used for the table, but where much hair exists it must either 

 be removed or the plaster must be made thinner, and more time expended 

 in rubbing it in. 



Coarse-bred horses are usually less susceptible to the stimulating influ- 

 ence of mustard, and its effects may be increased by using vinegar instead 

 of water, or, where a severe application is intended, a table-spoonful of 

 turpentine may be added to every quarter pound of the dry powder. 



The Throat. — When this part has to be treated, the basin should not 

 be held immediately under the animal's head, and the head should be 

 gently elevated by an assistant while the plaster is steadily rubbed in. 

 Whatever degree of friction is used should be equal on all the parts. It is; 

 commonly prescribed for a throat already very sore within, and care should 

 be taken to use no unnecessary force, either in restraining the patient's 

 movements or in making the application. 



A horse thus treated should not be immediately left to his own devices, 

 one of which is to rub his throat on the manger or other convenient fitting;, 

 and perhaps cause a lasting blemish. When the mustard is seen to be 

 taking effect, as evidenced by the animal shaking his head, swishing his tail, 

 and perhaps striking with his front feet, he should be spoken to in terms 

 of compassion, and prevented from doing himself any injury. When his 

 manner has become calm, and not until then, should he be left. 



The Wind-pipe. — The directions given above apply equally to this part. 



The Sides Of the Chest. — A standing position favours the applica- 

 tion of mustard to the sides, which should be applied equally all over the 

 intended surface, avoiding the loose thin skin immediately behind the 

 elbow; neither will it serve any useful purpose to go above the arches of 

 the ribs in an upward direction, or down to the breast-bone below. 



The Belly. — In some inflammatory diseases affecting the organs of the 

 belly, mustard or some other counter-irritant is applied over the greater 

 part of the abdomen. Here, care should be exercised to avoid the loose 



Vol. Ill 68 



