64 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



lower the temperature of the water many degrees below its 

 natural condition. But it is questioned whether permanent 

 benefit is derived from cold applications in cases of inflam- 

 mation. 



Warm fomentations, although not so grateful as cold 

 ones to hot swellings, will, however, be found to produce 

 better results ; as they open the pores of the skin, and if 

 applied as hot as the animal can endure it, will more readily 

 take off the tension produced by inflammatory swellings. 

 Poultices will have the same effect. These should be made 

 of lintseed meal, with a little butter or lard spread over the 

 surface, which will keep it moist for twenty-four hours. 

 Blisters have also been successfully applied in deep-seated 

 inflammations ; for, by creating inflammation on the surface, 

 on the principle of counter irritation, it will have the 

 tendency to lessen it in the other part, as great inflammation 

 cannot exist in two parts near to each other. In inflam- 

 mations of the chest, blisters will be found of much benefit. 

 But these should never be applied to parts which are already 

 inflamed. 



PLEURISY. 

 Symptoms. — This disease is entirely confined to inflam- 

 mation of the pleura or membrane which lines the chest, 

 and hence its name. It has no connexion with the sub- 

 stance of the lungs. The pulse is hard, but not oppressed. 

 The extremities are cold, although not so much so as in 

 ordinary inflammation, nor is the membrane of the nose 

 so very red. If pressure on the sides is applied, the horse 

 will feel pain, and express it by a quick and impatient 

 grunt. The unwillingness of the horse to lie down will be 

 manifested in this as well as in violent inflammation of the 

 lungs. 



