DISEASES OF THE RESPIKATOKY ORGANS. G27 



TKEATMENT. 



In the first place, it is necessary to have the horse so placed 

 that it can obtain as much pure air as possible. It is therefore 

 to be tied with its head to the box or stable door, the body is 

 to be smartly rubbed, not knocked, with wisps of hay or straw, 

 and afterwards warmly clothed. When the surface of the body 

 and extremities are very cold, I have found it to be a good 

 practice to place the feet in hot water and bathe the legs for 

 several minutes, then rub them over with a stimulating embro- 

 cation, and bandage them in thick flannel as high as possible. 

 If proper bandages cannot be obtained, hay or straw ropes are 

 to be substituted. The medical treatment must be that which 

 is calculated to equalise and balance the circulation, and for 

 these purposes stimulants are to be recommended, such as the 

 ethers, spirits, wine, or even ale when nothing else can be 

 obtained. I have also found that the tincture of arnica, in one 

 or two ounce doses, acts very satisfactorily; it seems to stimu- 

 late the cutaneous circulation, and on this account is well 

 calculated to restore the equilibrium of the circulation. If the 

 congestion does not give way to the above treatment, bleeding is 

 to be resorted to, in order to relieve the pressure on the pul- 

 monary vessels, and the engorgement of the great veins and right 

 side of the heart ; from four to six quarts of blood may be with- 

 drawn with safety, but it is better not to repeat it. I am of 

 opinion that it is a cruel practice, and one calculated to do harm, 

 to apply mustard or other powerful irritant to the sides. Horses, 

 when thus treated, begin to be excited in a few minutes after 

 the irritant has been applied, paw, move about, lie down, and 

 perhaps roll in pain ; the breathing becomes more accelerated, 

 and loss of strength rapidly follows. I hold it to be imperative 

 that the veterinarian should enjoin perfect quietude and repose, 

 and if anything is to be applied to the sides or breast, let it be 

 warm water, in order to soothe and calm the distressed sufferer. 

 After the symptoms of congestion have passed away, it is not 

 improbable but that they may be succeeded by those of inflam- 

 mation of the lungs. Bearing in m^nd the probability of this 

 sequel, the treatment of the animal for some days must be of 

 the most careful description; the diet must be light, sparing^ 

 and easy of digestion ; the water must be supplied abundantly, 



