DISEASES OF HORSES. 735 



does harm. I will quote from Williams' " Principles and Prac- 

 tice of Veterinary Surgery" the following: "Hints upon blister- 

 ing : No more than two legs should be blistered at one time, 

 and three weeks at least must be allowed to elapse before the 

 others are blistered, and between the re-application. It is bad 

 practice to blister extensively in very hot weather, and it is a 

 mistake to suppose that blisters to the loins and back are more 

 apt to irritate the urinary organs than when applied to any other 

 part of the body, provided that it be carefully and properly 

 done. . . . It is necessary to tie the horses head to the 

 rack after a blister has been applied, in order that he may not 

 bite it or touch it with his lips or tongue, and thus blister the 

 mouth and blemish the spot. It is also necessary to tie the head 

 so that the horse can not lie down, for if he lies upon the blis- 

 tered limb, the vesicant (blister) will adhere to that part of the 

 body brought in contact with it whilst the animal is recumbent, 

 and produce an effect upon it as well as upon the part to which 

 it has been purposely applied. If the blistered spot is in reach 

 of the tail, the tail should be tied up, or it is apt to become 

 daubed, and the blister whipped on the thighs, sheath, or udder. 

 If the effects are not sufficiently apparent in about thirty hours 

 after the blister has been applied, a very little more, or what is 

 remaining on the skin, which may be sufficient, should be gently 

 rubbed in; and in about forty -eight hours after the application 

 the part is to be washed and every trace of the blister removed ; 

 a little oil being now applied, or what suits better, an emulsion 

 of sweet oil, carbonate of potash, and water. It is a mistake to 

 keep the parts soft too long; the eschars should be allowed to 

 accumulate and desquamate gradually. . . . The best method 

 is to keep the head tied up until a thick scab is formed, which 

 will destroy the itchiness in the parts." 



In pleurisy and sprains which have become chronic the Can- 

 tharides Blister is considered the best; made as follows : 



Take Cantharides, powdered, 1 dram. 



Lard, ....'.... 6 drams. 



Mix, and melt slowly, never allowing it to get as hot as boil- 

 ing water. A good way to prepare it is to place the vessel 



