EPIZOOTIC PNEUMONIA. 377 



or horse sheet, and pour warm water upon it, placing a tub 

 so as to catch the water as it falls from the sheet, or to wring 

 clotlis out of warm water and apply them to the sides. The 

 latter method is the cleaner, as there is less water lost on 

 the bedding, &c. ; but in the former the skin is not exposed 

 during the fomentation, and is to be preferred. When the 

 fomentation is concluded, the wet sheets are to be covered 

 with a waterproof covering, or, if removed, the skin lightly 

 rubbed with weak ammonia liniment, say one ounce of liquid 

 ammonia to sixteen of oil, for the purpose of preventing the 

 sensation of cold which is apt to follow warm applications. 



As the local inflammation progresses the nitrate of potash is 

 to be slightly increased. From one to two ounces may be given 

 in the twenty-four hours, and it always acts best dissolved in the 

 drinking water, as the horse can then sip it at its leisure. It 

 lowers the animal heat, cleans the mouth, has some effect on the 

 exudation, and stimulates the kidneys. When the diuresis 

 becomes increased, the nitrate must be discontinued, and if 

 the horse is progressing favourably, but little more is needed. 

 In the course of a few days, if the appetite is not good, vegetable, 

 and afterwards mineral tonics, are to be given. In many cases, 

 where the Iddneys act very languidly a few doses of colchicum 

 will prove of great service. I think the colchicum seeds are 

 the best, made into a tincture, and given in doses containing 

 one to two drachms, for two or three days, or until diuresis is 

 induced. The colchicum, in virtue of its action in causing the 

 elimination of the solid ingredients of the urine, removes from 

 the economy much effete material, products of the metamorphosis 

 of the inflammatory exudates. 



Some veterinarians are very fond of giving the carbonate of 

 ammonia as a stimulant in all typhoid diseases. If the kidneys 

 are acting freely it is a very useful stimulant, but if the secretion 

 of urine is diminished its administration only tends to load the 

 system with ammonia — when it is already over-burdened with 

 the products of tissue changes, all tending to be resolved to 

 ammonia, carbonic acid, and water ; but if administered in con- 

 junction with the vegetable tonics in the later stages, it tends 

 to stimulate the appetite, and restore strength. It should always 

 be given in a ball, as solutions tend to irritate the mouth, and 

 prevent the horse from eating. 



