132 CHAPTER 15. 



261. Utensils to be kept clean. 



Mangers, buckets and all utensils used in a sick stable or box should 

 be kept scrupulously clean. Particular care should be taken that no 

 sour bran mash be left in the corners of the manger. Hay, on which the 

 patient has been breathing, should be thrown away and not offered to him 

 at another time. 



262. Hand-rubbing, etc. 



Gentle hand-rubbing of the skin and also sponging of the nostrils and 

 dock, and in some cases the whole body, with weak vinegar and water 

 are generally refreshing to sick animals. 



The sheath should always be carefully cleaned at the outset of any 

 serious illness, and this operation should be repeated if the case is pro- 

 longed. 



263. Beds. 



A good bed is essential to comfort. Fresh clean straw certainly looks 

 nicest, and has undoubtedly the advantages of cleanliness and sweetness ; 

 but many practical men prefer a bed made of old litter collected from the 

 dung heap, but of course carefully cleaned and dried. It makes a softer, 

 firmer, and more substantial bed ; whilst on the other hand the long 

 hard ends of the new straws, especially wheaten, are apt to irritate and 

 annoy a weakly and sensitive patient. In chest diseases, if the horse is 

 very ill, do not fidget him by over care, as to his bed. 



264. Change of box and air. 



Do not move the patient about, if he is very ill; but if his condition 

 admits of his being moved, it is a good plan to shift him occasionally to 

 a fresh box. 



Though a box in a quiet situation is needed for a sick horse, yet as he 

 recovers his strength, he should be moved during the day to a situation 

 where he can see some of the traffic which may be passing by. A little 

 such excitement acts as a stimulant and tonic to the system. 



265. Apparatus for applying a stream of cold water. 

 A very convenient india-rubber apparatus is made for the purpose of 

 bringing a constant stream or trickling of cold water on any part which 

 may require such treatment, as, for instance, in some cases of sprains, or 

 of affections of the brain. - In cases of sprain of the tendons or liga- 

 ments below the knee or hock, the apparatus must be applied above the 

 joint, and the affected part below covered with a wet linen bandage. 

 The water may be allowed to trickle for two hours at a time, twice or 

 three times during {he day. If the weather be cold the water may be 

 made slightly tepid. When a force of cold water from a jet or hose is 

 used, the application should never be continued for more than a few 

 minutes at a time. In both cases the part must be afterwards dried and 

 bandaged. 



