80 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE* 



blood — being too rich, or being too watery. Exposure will 

 also cause it. The swelling may be noticed between the 

 fore limbs, on the chest, extending along the belly, etc., in 

 fact, no part of the body being exempt. Inflammatory 

 action will also produce it. 



SijmiJtoms. — When due to debility, or venous congestion, 

 the swelling pits readily upon pressure, and there is no heat 

 or pain in the part. When it occurs as a result of inflamma- 

 tory action, the part is hard to the touch, will not pit upon 

 pressure, and the presence of both heat and pain is clearly 

 manifest. 



Treatment. — The treatment of a condition arising from so 

 many diff'erent causes must necessarily vary somewhat. If 

 it is the result of debility, the administration of a gentle 

 laxative is indicated, which exerts a beneficial efl'ect by 

 gently acting upon the bowels and stimulating the ab- 

 sorbents. Diuretics are also of considerable service, as 

 potassium iodide 5ss., tr. gentianae 5ii. Potassae nitras with 

 resina may be given, ^th, nitrici, in the usual dose, is 

 often beneficial also. Proper feeding, both as regards 

 quantity and quality, should not be neglected. The local 

 treatment consists of fomentations, removal of the bandages 

 in cases where it is due to tight bandaging, and a judicious 

 use of hot or cold applications according to the season. As 

 a rule, cold applications are the best. Hand-rub and dry 

 the part well, and give gentle exercise, after which a 

 bandage applied so as to maintain a gentle and equable 

 pressure will be found of great benefit. If a bandage be 

 applied improperly, or is neglected, the limb may swell, 

 and, as the bandage will not give way, venous obstruction 

 will be the result, and the condition become aggravated 

 instead of relieved. Astringents are useful, as plumb, acet., 

 ^ss., aqu9e distil. O.i. — O.ii., or tr. arnica mont. may be 

 used. The animal should be kept from work. Counter- 



