COLD AND HEAT 675 



invigorates the failing digestive functions, relieves the nerv- 

 ous irritability by cooling the blood going to the great nerve 

 centres in the medulla, and strengthens and stimulates the 

 entire nervous organization. Cold applications and drinks 

 stimulate the circulation reflexly, increase blood tension, and, 

 therefore, the secretion of urine in fever, which is very im- 

 portant for the elimination of toxins. Heat and cold are 

 often used interchangeably in medicine. In human practice 

 it is a, rule to be guided in the choice of one or the other by 

 the desire of and effect upon the patient, and this should 

 apply, as far as possible, in veterinary practice. Cold is 

 employed, locally, in congestions of superficial parts, and 

 tends to abort inflammation and relieve pain. 



In meningitis, rubber ice bags or continual irrigation of 

 the head and spine are used. Laryngitis may be success- 

 fully treated by ice poultices (cracked ice and sawdust in 

 linen bags) or by thin rubber ice bags surrounding the 

 throat. In the same way are treated sprained tendons, 

 capped hocks, broken knees, recent- curbs, and lymphangitis. 

 In fact, most superficial inflammatory surgical affections are 

 benefited by cold applications. Ice and ice water are useful 

 in checking venous or capillary haemorrhage, although hot 

 water is often more serviceable. Cold water enemata are 

 valuable in atonic constipation, diarrhoea, and to reduce 

 temperature in fever. In the uterus, ice in small lumps 

 will arrest metrorrhagia, and, in the rectum, aid in reducing 

 prolapse. Ice bags, placed along the spine over the sym- 

 pathetic ganglia, will cause dilatation of arterioles in regions 

 corresponding to the point of application. 



MODES OF EMPLOYING COLD WATER.^ 



Ablution is the simplest method of applying water to the 

 surface of the body. It is merely bathing. Water at the 

 temperature of 50° to 60° F. is applied by a rough, coarse 



* The writer is much indebted to the writings of Simon Baruch in 

 connection with uses of water. 



