166 BLISTERING. 



burning edge. The iron should always be thick at the back ; 

 this enables it to be heated to a higher temperature, and after- 

 wards to retain its heat for a longer period. The iron should 

 be of a brisk red heat, and its surface free from scales or dirt 

 of any kind. Before applying the instrument it is best to use 

 a fine file to its sides and edge. 



Blistering. — "When the application of a blister is deter- 

 mined upon in addition to the firing, as a general rule, apply 

 'the blister immediately afterwards. Many writers condemn 

 this practice as wanton and useless cruelty. A slight reflection, 

 however, will convince any one that, so far as cruelty is con- 

 cerned, it amounts in the end to the same thing, no matter 

 whether the patient be blistered at the time or in a day or two 

 afterwards. To argue on the contrary is about as wise as the 

 man whose dog had an enormous long tail, and which it was 

 deemed necessary to shorten ; but the owner would not allow it 

 to be shortened to the full extent at once, on the plea of cruelty, 

 — he had a little removed daily, until the requisite sliortness was 

 obtained. 



A very excellent blister can be obtained from the application 

 of tar to the fired surface. For a knowledge of this fact I am 

 indebted to that excellent practitioner, my friend Mr. John 

 Law son, veterinary surgeon, of Manchester. 



The tar should be applied in every way similar to what 

 blistering ointment is usually applied. The patient should 

 afterwards be tied up to the rack, to prevent him from biting 

 the part irritated. It is stated that a horse blistered with 

 James's Blistering Ointment will not gnaw the part blistered ; 

 our observations however lead us to assert the contrary. 



As a general rule never fire and blister more than two 

 limbs out of the four at once. It is dangerous to do so. 



