LYMPHANGITIS. 593 



should the shivering persist, notwithstanding the application of 

 warmth, friction, clothing, and bandages, moderate doses of spirit 

 of nitre may be administered. As a powerful stimulant to 

 the vessels of the skin, inducing a general warmth over the 

 surface of the body, I may mention that tincture of arnica, 

 in doses varying from one to two ounces, can be given wdth 

 advantage. 



In the second or hot stage, bleeding from the jugular is 

 generally recommended. I have experimented upon this matter, 

 and have arrived at the conclusion tliat, although moderate 

 bleeding does no harm, it does no good ; it neither modifies nor 

 cuts short the disease ; and in cases where the animal is debili- 

 tated previous to the attack, the withdrawal of blood not only 

 increases the severity of the local inflammation, but prolongs its 

 duration as well. Fomentations to the affected limb, to induce 

 an early swelling, and the administration of a cathartic, con- 

 stitute nearly all the treatment that is required. After the 

 cathartic has operated, diuretic remedies may be given with 

 advantage ; and should the fever be very high, the pulse hard^ 

 and the animal showing signs of much pain and restlessness, 

 tincture of aconite is to be repeatedly administered. Some 

 practitioners are in the habit of giving a small cathartic, and 

 sending the horse to ordinary work w^hilst suffering from this 

 malady. Such practice is irrational, and defeats its own object ; 

 for exercise, though carefully regulated, if given early in the 

 disease, causes the swelling to assume a permanency of character 

 which it is difficult to remove. Exercise certainly dissipates the 

 swelling at the time ; but after the patient has stood for a few 

 hours, the swelling returns, and it is no less curious than true, 

 that each fresh exudation tends more and more to become 

 organized. 



The condition called elephantiasis, or a chronic tliick leg, is 

 difficult to treat. A large quantity of fibrous tissue formed in 

 the limb assumes the character and functions of one of the 

 proper elements of the part, and remains as a permanency. 

 Drastic cathartics, powerful diuretics, iodine, and its salts, have 

 been given, but with little or no advantage ; whilst blisters, 

 setons, and the actual cautery to the limb itself have been tried 

 with like effect. I think much can be done for the prevention 

 of this condition by carefully feeding the animal ; and when it 

 2q 



