GOOD NURSING. 127 



general rules, which, when applied according to the circumstances of each 

 particular case, may be useful in the treatment of sick animals. 



247. Loose boxes and quiet. 



In most cases the first and most important point is to place the patient 

 in a detached, cool, well-ventilated, loose box in a quiet situation. The 

 box should be fitted with a low half door, so that the animal may be able 

 to lean his head over it. This is especially needed in all diseases con- 

 nected with the respiratory passages. 



It is essential that the half door should be low, because sick horses 

 generally droop their heads, and are unable to raise them over high 

 " half " doors. If the patient carries his head very low, the door should 

 be opened altogether, and a bar, gate, or hurdle placed across it. But in 

 ordinary cases it is better to keep the lower half of the door closed, in 

 order to prevent draught and chill about the legs. 



In affections of the eyes and nervous system the box should be dark- 

 ened, and as much isolated as possible from passing traffic. 



In some few cases, such as those of wounds, when it is necessary that 

 the horse should be tied up to prevent his biting the injured part, or in 

 other cases where motion is not desirable, a stall will answer well enough ; 

 though even in these cases the cooler atmosphere of a detached box is 

 preferable. 



248. Draughts. 



Whilst it is essential that there should be ventilation enough to ensure 

 purity of air in the box, it is also very important in most, but not in all 

 cases, that no direct draught should come on the patient. As a general 

 rule, sick and debilitated animals are far more susceptible of injury from 

 such causes than horses in health. 



In the premonitory and early stage of feverish or inflammatory attacks 

 the slightest draught appears to be most injurious and may bring on a fit 

 of shivering. The access or avoidance of an attack in this very early 

 stage is often determined by care and attention on this point. 



When, however, inflammation or fever has developed itself, the horse 

 is less sensitive of draught ; and provided he is well clothed, air may be 

 admitted with the utmost freedom. 



When the crisis has subsided, the patient is again moderately, but not 

 intensely as in the early stage-, sensitive of draught. Much at this time, 

 must be left to the discretion of the attendant. If the animal seems 

 refreshed by more air, he may safely be allowed to have it ; but if on the 

 other hand his coat begins to stare, we may be sure that the draught is 

 doing harm. 



The above observations, it will be seen, refer to draught, not to tem- 

 perature. In all cases it is desirable that the temperature should be cool, 

 decidedly cool ; but it is not advisable that it should be positively cold. 



249. Cleanliness, dry ness, and sweetness of stable. 



The box must be kept perfectly clean, dry and sweet. For the latter 

 purpose some disinfectant, such as Macdougall's disinfecting powder, may, 



