90 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



change which inflammation produces. (4) Heat. Either dry or 

 moist heat acts as a derivative. It quickens the circulation and ren- 

 ders the chemical changes more active in the surrounding parts; it 

 softens the tissues and attracts the current of blood from the in- 

 flamed organ; it also promotes the absorption of the effusion and 

 hastens the elimination of the waste products in the part. Heat 

 may be applied by hand rubbing or active friction and the applica- 

 tion of warm coverings or by cloths wrung out of warm water; or 

 steaming with warm moist vapor, medicated or not, will answer the 

 same purpose. The latter is especially applicable to inflammatory 

 troubles in the air passages. (5) Local bleeding. This treatment 

 frequently affords immediate relief by carrying off the excessive 

 blood and draining the effusion which has already occurred. It 

 affords direct mechanical relief, and, by a stimulation of the part, 

 promotes the chemical changes necessary for bringing the diseased 

 tissues to a healthy condition. Local blood-letting can be done by 

 scarifying, or making small punctures into the inflamed part, as in 

 the eyelid of an inflamed eye, or into the sheath of the penis, or into 

 the skin of the latter organ when congested, or the leg when actually 

 swelled. (6) Counterirritants. These are used for deep inflamma- 

 tions. They act by bringing the blood to the surface and conse- 

 quently lessening the blood pressure within. The derivation of the 

 blood to the exterior diminishes the amount in the internal organs 

 and is often very rapid in its action in relieving a congested lung 

 or liver. The most common counterirritant is mustard flour. It is 

 applied as a soft paste mixed with warm water to the under surface 

 of the belly and to the sides where the skin is comparatively soft 

 and vascular. Colds in the throat or inflammations at any point 

 demand the treatment applied in the same manner to the belly and 

 sides and not to the throat or on the legs, as so often used. Blisters, 

 iodine, and many other irritants are used in a similar way. 



Constitutional Treatment. This treatment in inflammation 

 is designed to reduce the current of blood, which is the fuel for the 

 inflammation in the diseased part, to quiet the patient, and to com- 

 bat the fever or general effects of the trouble in the system, and to 

 favor the neutralization or elimination of the products of the inflam- 

 mation. It consists of (1) Reduction of blood. This is obtained in 

 various ways. The diminution of the quantity of the blood lessens 

 the amount of pressure on the vessels, and, as a sequel, the volume 

 of it which is carried to the point of inflammation ; it diminishes the 

 body temperature or fever; it numbs the nervous system, which 

 plays an important part as a conductor of irritation in diseases. (2) 

 Blood-letting. This is the most rapid means, and frequently acts 

 like a charm in relieving a commencing inflammatory trouble. One 

 must remember, however, that the strength of the body and repair 

 depend on the blood. Hence blood-letting should be practiced only 

 in full-blooded, well-nourished animals and in the early stages of 

 the disease. (3) Cathartics. These act by drawing off a large quan- 

 tity of fluid from the blood through the intestines, and have the 



