176 THE HORSE.. 



contradictory. The heat of the part very naturally and properly led to the 

 application of cold embrocations and lotions. Heat has a strong tendency 

 to equalize itself, or to leave that substance which has a too great quantity 

 of it, or little capacity to retain it, for another which has less of it, or more 

 capacity to retain it. Hence the advantage of cold applications, by wiiich 

 d great deal of unnatural heat is speedily taken away from the inflamed 

 part. The foot labouring under inflammation is put into cold water; or 

 the horse is made to stand in water or wet clay, and various cold apj)lica. 

 tions are used to sprains. The part is wetted with diluted vinegar or 

 goulard, or salt and water. We believe that when benefit is derived from 

 these applications, it is to be attributed to their coldness alone, and tliat 

 water, and when especially cooled below the natural temperature, is quite 

 as good as any thing else. An ounce of nitre, dissolved in a pint of water 

 will lower the temperature of the fluid many degrees; but the lotion mu^i 

 be applied immediately af er the salt has been dissolved ; and it should be 

 applied in such a way that the inflamed part may be fully exposed to the 

 process of evaporation. While the fluid is converted into vapour, by the 

 heat of the skin, a considerable degree of cold is produced. Let the limb 

 or the part have a full benefit of this, by being uncovered. A bandage 

 may be afterwards applied to strengthen the limb, but during the continu- 

 ance of active inflammation it will only confine the heat of the part, or pre- 

 vent the part from benefitting by the salutary influence of the cold pro- 

 duced by the evaporation of the water. 



Sometimes, however, we resort to warm fomentations, and if benefit be 

 derived from their use, it is to be traced to the warmth of the fluid, and not 

 to any medicinal property in it ; and warm water will do as much good to 

 the horse who has so thick a skin, as a decoction of camomile, or marsh- 

 mallow, or even poppy-heads, or any nostrum that the farrier may recom- 

 mend. Fomentations increase the warmth of the skin, and open the pores 

 of it, and promote perspiration, and so lessen the tension and swelling of 

 the part, assuage pain, and relieve inflammation. Fomentations, to be use- 

 ful, should be long and frequently employed, and at as great a degree of 

 heat as can be used without giving the animal pain. Poultices are nothing 

 but more permanent or longer-continued fomentations. The part is exposed 

 to the influence of warmth and moisture for many hours or days without 

 intermission, and perspiration being so long kept up, the distended vessels 

 will be materially relieved. The advantage derived from a poultice is 

 attributed to the heat and moisture, which, by means of it, can be long 

 applied to the skin, and it should be composed of materials which will best 

 afford this heat and moisture. The bran poultice of the farrier will there- 

 fore be objectionable. It is never perfectly in contact with the skin, and it 

 becomes nearly dry in a few hours, and then it is injurious. Linseed-meal 

 is a much better material for a poultice ; it will remain moist for twenty-four 

 hours. The poultice is easily made by pouring hot water on the meal, a 

 little at a time, and moulding it well with the hand until the cataplasm 

 attains its proper consistence. 



It is often very difficult to decide when a cold or hot application is to be 

 used, and no general rule can laid be down, except that in cases of superficial 

 inflammation, and in the early stage, cold lotions will be preferable ; but 

 when the inflammation is deeper seated, or fully established, warm foment- 

 ations may be most serviceal)le. 



Stimulating applications are frequently used in local inflammation. We 

 have shown the action of a blister in hastening the suppuratina of the 

 luinour of straigles. When the inflammation is deeply sef-ed, a stinii* 



