FIRING. 321. 



makeis an active liquid blister ; and for milder applications 

 hartshorn has been used. 



In treating of sprain of the back sinews, page 119, we 

 recommended a blister in certain cases ; however, this must 

 never be resorted to while any heat or tenderness remains 

 about the places affected, as this would only increase the 

 superficial inflammation, without allaying that which is 

 more deeply seated, and might produce enlargements of 

 the limb, and finally obstinate ulcerations, and thereby 

 render the horse unfit for work. It is a mistake to suppose 

 that blistering is beneficial in grease, as it rather increases 

 than diminishes the complaint. Blistering in cold wintry 

 weather must be done with great caution, because if the 

 part should be exposed to cold it is very likely to end 

 in grease. Blistering all round the limbs is not only a 

 cruel but a dangerous practice, and ought never to be 

 resorted to. 



FIRING. 



We cannot contemplate the use of firing without associ- 

 ating with it a degree of cruelty ; but in many cases it must 

 be had recourse to as the only method of removing the com- 

 plaint. The principle on which firing is adopted is by 

 exciting some superficial parts, and thereby, by counter- 

 irritation, relieving deeply-seated inflammatory action. This 

 strong remedy lias also the effect of exciting the absorbents 

 to carry off bony matter which is apt to be secreted in the 

 limbs. In short, it is the most powerful stimulating agent 

 with which we are acquainted ; but should never be had 

 recourse to, except when there is no chance of milder re- 

 medies being effectual. 



When it becomes necessary to fire a part, the hair is 

 clipped as close as possible, and afterwards shaved ; so that 



2 T 



