1030 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



of tlio skin, vesicants or blisters, Avhicli cause elevations of the cnti- 

 cle hy fluid underneath it, or cauterization and setons, which pro- 

 mote the sujjpurativo action — remove lameness by assisting nature 

 in a process of repair. 



<' Ruhpfacients may bo employed in the less severe forms of 

 lameness, in sj^i'^iiif* of tendons, or in slight affection of joints, along 

 with rest and fomentations, after the more acute symptoms have 

 passed uwaj'. 



"It is usual to apply blisters in all cases of some standing, Avhen 

 organic changes in the parts involved are suspected. Before a blis- 

 ter is applied, the hair should be clipped from the part, which, if 

 dirty, ought to be washed, and Avhen dry, the blister to be applied 

 Avith smart friction for about ten minutes. To obtain the full effect 

 of a blister, a quantit}' of ointment is to be thickly laid on after the 

 rubbijig ill is completed, 



" The best agent is cantharides, in the form of acetate, tinctui'e, 

 or ointment, to the limbs, the ointment in preference ; one part of 

 cantharides to twelve parts of lard or palm-oil. If pre^^ared with 

 a temperature equal to the b jiling point of water (212°), it will be 

 sufficiently strong and will never blemish. It is a mistake to think 

 that the powdered flies should be mixed with the vehicle when it 

 is nearly cold. An ointment ko prepared will require three times 

 the quantity of cantharides. The heat molts the canlharidine. 



" Hints ujion hlistering generally. — No more than two legs are to 

 be blistered at one time, and thi-eo weeks at least must be allowed 

 to elapse before the others are blistered, and between each re-ap- 

 plication. It is bad practice to blister extensively in very hot 

 weather ; and it is a mistake to suppose that blisters to the loins 

 and back are more apt to irritate the urinary organs than when 

 applied to any other part of the body, provided that it be carefull}' 

 and properly done, 



"The evil results of blistering arc: 1st. The production of 

 strangury, by the absorbed eantharidino irritating the iirinary 

 passes. This is a ver}^ rare occurrence, provided the blister has 

 been applied to a moderate extent of svirface; but if four legs, or 

 even two, be extensively blistered at one time, the occurrence of 

 such may be laid down to the indiscretion of the practitioner. In 

 some cases, however, very moderate blistering may be followed by 

 stranguiy, and Avhen it docs occui", it is best treated thus: First 

 wash- the blistered surface with warm water, in which a little alkali 

 has been dissolved; dress it with oil, give the animal demulcents to 

 drink, such as cold linseed tea, and administer a few doses of opium 

 and bicarbonate of soda. 



" 2d, The production of a considerable amount of nervous irz'i- 

 tability, fidgetiness, quickened pulse, and injected mucous mem- 

 branes, with loss of appetite. These B3nnptoms are due to a nerv- 

 ous temperament; and if not very severe, had better not be inter- 

 fered with. Should they become alarming, the animal must be 

 treated as in the first instance; the fomentations being continued 



