168 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



applied prevents dilatation of the bloodvessels, when ap- 

 plied with proper bandages j^revents exudation, and where 

 an exudate is already thrown out hastens its absorption. 

 AYarm water is also of great use where the pain is very 

 severe_,and the deep-seated structures are involved — in such 

 a case being preferable to cold applications. Warm appli- 

 cations act in an opposite way to cold, as the warmth 

 Ijromotes swelling and relaxation of the tissues, allaying 

 pain and irritability. Heat can be applied in various 

 ways. 



Counter-irritants are, in veterinary practice, of very 

 great benefit indeed in the treatment of inflammation ; as, 

 for instance, in inflammation of the foot, where hot and 

 cold applications have failed, a vesicant around the 

 coronet will very often effect a cure. Counter-irritants are 

 most useful in deep-seated or chronic inflammation, as sub- 

 acute or chronic laminitis, etc. It is, however, very difficult 

 to say how counter-irritants act. Sedatives, as blood- 

 letting and the administration of aconite, are also used, 

 and are of benefit in certain cases. Opium is also good 

 where much pain is present ; it is the sheet anchor in the 

 treatment of enteritis. Purgatives are very useful, except 

 in certain diseases, as purpura and lung affections; they 

 act upon the bowels, increase the action of the absorbents, 

 and cause elimination of effete material. Saline remedies, 

 as nitrate, chlorate, and carbonate of potassium are all of 

 very great value in the treatment of inflammation. Diu- 

 retics are considerably used in veterinary practice, there 

 being no certain diaphoretic for the horse. In human 

 medicine diaphoretics are considerably used, as diaphoresis 

 is readily produced in man. 



