70 General Principles of Veterinary Medicine, 



with some. They are of strong tincture of cantharides made 

 as follows: 



No. 19. Powdered flies, 1 oz. 



Alcohol, 1 pint. 



Steep for two weeks. 



This is of medium strength, and can be increased in its 

 action by adding a few ounces of solution of ammonia or oil 

 of turpentine. These tinctures rarely raise a full blister, 

 but cause considerble irritation and a watery discharge. In 

 using them it is not essential that the hair be removed ; and 

 they may be applied repeatedly to the same spot without 

 blemishing. 



Blisters are not much used on cattle, as on them sufficient 

 irritation can generally be produced by mustard and hot 

 water, well rubbed in. 



A blister while rising causes much irritation, and the 

 animal will always try to rub or bite the blistered part. In 

 the horse this should be prevented by tying the head to the 

 rack, or tying up the tail. On the second day after it has 

 been applied, the part should be fomented with warm water, 

 and dressed with lard, oil or any simple ointment. 



Sometimes it is desirable to maintain the effect of the 

 blister for some time. This is to be accomplished by dress- 

 ing the part with some more of the blistering ointment 

 diluted to one-half or one-fourth its strength with lard or 

 oil. 



The following general rules should be observed : 



1. Do not blister more than two spots at one time. 



2. Do not blister much in hot weather. 



3. Always be on your guard against producing strangury, 

 which is easily brought on in some horses. 



4. Never blister a highly inflamed part, nor where there 

 are signs of erysipelas or mortification. 



