TREATMENT. 539 



chest by the apphcation of a cataplasm of mustard-meal or the 

 use of mild cantharides liniment, of which one apphcation is 

 all that is needful. By this treatment it is a common result 

 to find pulse, respirations and temperature decidedly improved 

 in twelve hours. Strong cantharides ointments, repeated appli- 

 cations of cantharides liniment, or even poultices of mustard, 

 have always appeared to me to be productive of more harm 

 than good at any stage of inflammation of thoracic organs. 

 While, after employing both methods, I feel certain that all 

 the benefits said to be derived from severe and repeated 

 blistering can more surely be obtained by much simpler and 

 less hurtful means. 



At this particular stage, the subsidence of febrile action with 

 lowered vital activity, and the presence most probably of 

 effusion in the pleural sac, in conjunction with the stimula- 

 tion of the chest a certain amount of stimulation internally 

 may with safety be carried out, and for this purpose I have 

 found nothing superior to some preparation of alcohol. From 

 two to four fluid ounces of whisky or brandy added to the 

 draught already recommended to be exhibited twice daily in 

 water is a form convenient for administration. Or in place 

 of one of those bi-daily draughts, one fluid ounce of the tinc- 

 ture or solution of the perchloride of iron in half a pint of 

 cold water may be substituted, and the powders of nitrate and 

 chlorate of potash may also at this time be replaced by drachm 

 doses of iodide of potassium, which may be employed once 

 or twice daily in the drinking-water. 



During the earlier stages of the disease the horse may 

 have whatever kind of food he seems most inclined to partake 

 of, the only reservation being that it be easy of digestion and 

 such as will keep the bowels in a natural or rather moist con- 

 dition. When the febrile symptoms are abated, and exhaustion 

 seems imminent, the quality of the food may partake of a more 

 nutritive character. 



By a carefully regulated regimen, and the exhibition of such 

 medicines as we have indicated, it is wonderful what an amount 

 of fluid may be absorbed from the pleural sac. During the em- 

 ployment of these it is often an advantage to give the patient 

 a change ; thus, as an alternate medicine with the iron salt 

 already recommended, sulphate of quinine and nitric acid will 



