]44 The Care of Animals 



recent injuries, or for anj^ badly irritated part. They are 

 used with good results in inflammation of the udder. 



Cold water is also excellent to relieve inflammation, 

 especially when the part is badly congested. It can be 

 applied with cold, wet cloths, or by irrigating the part — 

 that is, allowing cold water to drip upon it. In some 

 cases, applying cold water with considerable force, as a 

 stream from a hose nozzle, for a few moments, and then 

 rubbing briskly, has an excellent effect in toning up de- 

 bilitated parts and relieving congestion. Cold is often 

 applied to a feverish part by using a bag of cracked ice. 



THE SOAKING TUB 



A soaking -tub is made by cutting off about one foot 

 from one end of a stout barrel. Fig. 34. This can be 

 placed in the stall and filled with water, either hot or 

 cold. The horse is made to stand in this with his front 

 feet. Soaking-tubs are excellent, especially in cases 

 when the hoofs are dry and hard and there is consider- 

 able inflammation of the feet. Twice daily the horse 

 should be allowed to stand in the tub for an hour. The 

 feet should be wiped dry and afterward oiled, or some 

 good hoof dressing applied. Soaking-tubs are excellent if 

 they are used judiciously, but excessive use is injurious. 



CONFINING OR RESTRAINING ANIMALS 



Animals can be confined in various ways for surgical 

 operations and for other purposes. Horses are put 

 into stocks, or on operating tables built for the pur- 



