MASSAGE. 139 



eye. Placing the points of the index and middle fingers very lightly 

 on the upper ej^elid the lid is caused to move over the surface of 

 the cornea with circular and radiating movements. Very good 

 results may be obtained in this way alone, but a small quantity 

 of some resorptive, like the yellow or red oxide of mercury 

 ointment, may, in addition, be introduced into the conjunctival 

 sac. Bayer also recommended iodoform ointment and iodoform in 

 powder. 



Massage is particularly valuable in inflammation of tendons and 

 in recent cases of thickening of the tendon, but only when the con- 

 dition is circumscribed. When the entire tendon is thickened the 

 effect is much less satisfactory. On the other hand, excellent results 

 may be obtained in thickening of the flexor pedis perforans, though 

 considerable patience and perseverance are required. The foot being 

 lifted, the upper part of the thickened spot is grasped between the 

 thumb and fingers and kneaded, at first very gently, afterwards 

 more strongly, but without excessive pressure. The operator 

 gradually works further down. Manipulation being complete, the 

 horse is exercised for a short time and a wet bandage applied. 



In dispersing the soft enlargement resulting from periarthritis 

 the thumbs are most employed. The periphery is first manipulated, 

 the thumb being applied to the soft tissue with considerable pressure. 

 This tends to break up the soft deposit, which is then further dis- 

 persed by powerful stroking movements with the thumb. The horse 

 is afterwards exercised. Passive movements of the joint can only 

 be carried out satisfactorily in small animals. 



Vogel recommends massage in various diseases of the udder. 

 Old practitioners appear to have recognised its good effects, as 

 shown by their advising frequent milking, which really acts as a 

 kind of massage. Vogel, however, lays stress on the suggestion 

 that the veterinary surgeon himself should first carry out the 

 operation, because rough or excessive manipulation often causes 

 a relapse. The hard masses of tissue are grasped and kneaded or 

 rolled under the fingers. 



Massage of the abdomen is most useful in ruminants and dogs. 

 In ruminants it arouses peristalsis, so that in fifteen to twenty minutes 

 the overloaded and torpid rumen may often be set in action. The 

 best method of manipulation is to station on either side of the 

 abdomen a man who, laying his clenched fists close together on the 

 animal's side, makes regular powerful kneading movements from 

 below upwards. Where severe tympanites, or obstinate impaction 

 of the omasum exists, or rumination has been suppressed for several 



