Directions for Blistering, 69 



Blisters should be confined to cases where the acute, in- 

 flammatory symptoms have passed away, and where it is de- 

 sired to cause the absorption of some deposit, or to stimulate 

 the vessels to effect some organic change, as to hasten the 

 opening of an abscess, or the reduction of an enlarged gland. 



Before a blister is applied the hair should be cut from the 

 part, which should then be washed and dried, and the blister- 

 ing fluid applied with smart friction for several minutes. 

 The blistering ointment preferred by the Edinburgh Veteri- 

 nary College is the following : 



No. 16. Powdered cantharides, 1 part. 



Lard heated to 212°, 12 parts. 



Mix well together and cool. 



At this strength, the ointment if thoroughly applied will 

 raise a good blister and will never blemish. 



Most of the ointments are very much stronger than this. 

 That recommended by Mr. Youatt was^ 



No. 17. Powdered cantharides, 



Powdered resin, each 1 oz. 



Lard, 4 oz. 



Melt the lard and resin together and stir in the flies. 

 Another of medimn strength is, 



No . 18. Powdered cantharides, 1 oz. 



Lard or oil, 6 oz. 



Melt together. 



The addition of turpentine, sulphuric acid, arsenic, corro- 

 sive sublimate and the like, should be avoided. They serve 

 no useful purpose, and merely increase the pain needlessly. 



Blistering plasters are not used in veterinary surgery, but 

 there are preparations called ^'sweating blisters'^ popular 



