BLISTERING, PHYSIC, ETC. 



both of which can either be used in the form of 

 a liniment or as ointments. Sometimes the two 

 are combined. Strictly speaking the latter is 

 not really a blistering agent, but what is known 

 as a rubefacient, which means to make red; 

 nevertheless, it does produce blisters, and so 

 will the ordinary white oil, if freely rubbed in. 

 Some horses are much more susceptible to the 

 action of blistering agents than others, as proved 

 by the readiness, or otherwise, with which blisters 

 appear after the part has been rubbed with the 

 vesicating agent. As blistering ointments re- 

 quire careful preparation in order to ensure their 

 proper action, the most economical plan is to 

 purchase such from a veterinary surgeon, 

 stating the purpose for which it is required. 

 Before the application of a blister, the hair 

 should be clipped off, and the part then washed 

 with soft soap and hot water, and subsequently 

 thoroughly dried. The blistering ointment is 

 now rubbed in with smart friction for a period 

 ranging from ten to twenty minutes, and the 

 animal "tied short" for the next twenty-four 

 hours, in order to prevent it touching the 

 blistered part. After the blisters have risen, and 



117 H2 



