202 SURGICAL AFFECTIONS. 



Perfect rest to the affected limb is the most essential measure, and if 

 possible a splint should be used in its support. During the inflammatory 

 stage cold water is the best application; the bandages being kept con- 

 stantly wet. After the inflammation has subsided, the swelling may be 

 reduced by slightly tightening the bandage, using uniform firmness and 

 pressure. 



If stiffness is not rapidly recovered from after exercise is allowed, stim 

 ulating liniments are to be used. It matters but little which is selected, as 

 the efficacy of all depend almost entirely upon the hand-rubbing employed 

 in their application; one part to three of the liniments ammonia and 

 camphora make a good preparation. 



BVftJYS AND SCAL<DS. 



Extensive burns are always serious even if but superficial. The severe 

 pain is exhausting; the internal organs are liable to become affected, and 

 the healing stage is long and debilitating. It is important that some re- 

 lieving application be made as soon as possible to a burned or scalded 

 part, and for a short time at least domestic remedies must be relied upon. 

 Among them a solution of common baking-soda is most effectual in re- 

 lieving the acute pain ; when the burn is only superficial or not severe it 

 will remove it entirely in a very short time. It has the advantage of clean- 

 liness, is always at hand, and if applied at once it will in a great measure 

 prevent blistering, and the destructive changes in the skin. All that is 

 necessary is to cover the injured parts with a thin cotton or linen cloth, 

 and keep it constantly wetted with the soda lotion to prevent its drying. 

 The relief felt from this application is immediate, and in many cases the 

 acute pain subsides in less than half an hour. This solution may be per- 

 sisted in for two or three days, and then the oxide of zinc ointment can 

 be substituted. 



If the injury is a severe one, and large blisters are formed, it will be 

 well to use the soda until " carron oil " can be prepared ; this is a liniment 

 of equal parts of linseed oil and lime water; a very offensive preparation 

 but highly effective. When obtained, the blisters should be pricked with 

 a needle, and the whole part covered with a linen cloth soaked in the oil ; 

 then wrapped in soft cotton wool, to preserve the injured skin from the 

 air, from cold, and to smother the bad odor. After the second day this 

 covering may be removed, poultices of bread and water applied, and per- 1 

 sisted in until suppuration is established; after which the oxide of zinc 

 ointment may be employed until a cure is completed. 

 The strength of the injm-ed animal must always be sustained by nutri- 



