130 CHAPTER 15. 



fair substitute will be found in wrapping the part round with spongio- 

 piline dipped in warm water. This material, which consists of thick 

 woollen stuff covered with oilskin, will long retain both heat and 

 moisture. 



The leg below the knee may be conveniently fomented by putting it in 

 a deep bucket of warm water. In all large establishments it is well worth 

 while to get a bucket made half as deep again as usual for this especial 

 purpose. The water in such cases may require to be put in after the 

 horse's leg is in the bucket. 



In most cases three or four fomentations in the course of the twenty- 

 four hours are sufficient. 



Where large surfaces such as the chest and sides require to be 

 fomented, woollen blankets are used ; but care must be taken, that only 

 a portion of the blanket sufficient to cover the part requiring fomenta- 

 tion, be dipped in the hot water. In most stables an old blanket can be 

 torn up for the purpose. During fomentation a thick rug should be 

 thrown over the fomenting cloth, and removed as soon as the operation 

 is over, as it will unavoidably become damp, and a dry rug must be sub- 

 stituted for it. 



256. Cold bathing of the legs. 



Cold water bathing of the legs is in many cases very beneficial. The 

 cold gives tone to and braces up the structures, which may have become 

 weak or deficient in vital energy. The value of cold, as a tonic, has not 

 been, we think, sufficiently appreciated in such cases. A good jet for 

 this purpose may be made by attaching a gutta-percha or rubber tube to 

 the ordinary water-cock. If the necessary appliances are not available an 

 ordinary watering pot with a rose will answer the purpose fairly well. 



257. Removal of the shoes. 



In most cases of serious illness, especially where fever or inflammation 

 are present, ease and comfort will be given to the patient by removal of 

 all the shoes. Exception however occurs, where horses have flat or 

 pumice feet. 



258. Water. 



Water should always be within reach of the patient, especially in 

 feverish or inflammatory attacks ; and it is essential that it should be 

 changed at least three times a day, or oftener in warm weather. A piece 

 of rock salt, which the horse may lick as often as he likes, should also be 

 placed in the manger. Some medicines may be conveniently adminis- 

 tered along with the water which the patient drinks. 



259. Food. 



Food suitable to the requirements of each case must be supplied. As 

 the appetite of a sick horse is generally very slight and capricious, only 

 small quantities should be offered at a time ; and that which is not eaten 



