278 GENERAL THERAPEUTICS FOR VETERINARIANS 



with increased nutrition and blood formation; in addition, the 

 capacity for work is increased, as by training. 



5. The nervous system is stimulated by massage in the same 

 manner as by cutaneous irritation. The cutaneous nerves are 

 stimulated by kneading and tapping and the stimulation acts 

 reflexly upon the central nervous system. Paralyzed peripheral 

 nerves (motor and sensory) especially are treated by massage. 

 Light massage (stroking) appears to reduce increased suscepti- 

 bility of nerves. 



6. Other general efifects of massage include mcrease of cardiac 

 activity, pulse and body temperature, reflex stimulation of gastric 

 and intestinal peristalsis, diuresis and diaphoresis, change in the 

 distribution of the blood (depletion of the central organs, deriva- 

 tive action), improvement of the general state of nutrition and 

 strengthening of the body constitution. 



Uses. — Massage is used prmcipally in surgery; it can, however, 

 be employed with advantage in internal medicine. But its value 

 in veterinary medicine must not be overestimated. The alleged 

 results of massage in practice are in great part to be attributed 

 to the healing power of nature and to the simultaneous employ- 

 ment of hydrotherapy and medical treatment. For horses espe- 

 cially, massage will never attain the same importance as for man, 

 where suggestion is frequently the prmcipal healing factor; in 

 addition, the hair of the horse, the resistance of many animals 

 and the bodily difficulties arising for the masseur hinder the 

 application of the method. Furthermore, much time is often 

 lost with massage; blisters and firmg are much more valuable 

 therapeutic measures than massage. 



The most important indications for massage are the following: 



1. Blood stasis, lymph stasis, oedemas of the skin, mucous 

 membranes, and subcutis (especially prophylactically agamst 

 formation of thrombi and in decubitus). 



2. Contusions, hemorrhages and lymphorrhagia on the sur- 

 face of the body (saddle pressure, hsematomas of the thigh). 



3. Subacute, aseptic inflammations of the skin, subcutis, ten- 



