24 THE DISEASES OP HOUSES, 



Stimulating liniment for Bruises, fyc. — Take, turpentine, 4oz. ; camphor, 

 |oz. ; olive oil, 4oz. ; spirit of hartshorn, 3oz. ; oil of origanum, Joz. 

 Mix and keep well corked, and in a cool place, ready for emergencies. 

 It should be plainly labelled, " For external use only." 



The application of this liniment after the warm fomentation or poultice 

 causes the absorption of effused blood, and reinstates the injured part in 

 its ordinary condition. An application of spirit and water, or arnica lotion, 

 would tend to the same end. 



In more severe bruises a tumour may be formed and suppuration take 

 place, which must be treated as an abscess, by poultices and warm 

 fomentations, to bring it to a head, when it should be opened with a 

 lancet, the matter pressed out, and the part kept clean to assist in 

 healing. Bruises from blows or kicks on any bony part are apt to pro- 

 duce an indurated or hardened substance, which can only be reduced by 

 treating with blisters, and for such a purpose the biniodide of mercury 

 ointment is the most suitable. It is made thus : 



Biniodide of Mercury Blisters. — Mix one part of red or biniodide of mer- 

 cury with seven parts of lard, or, what is better, being rather harder, 

 spermaceti or resin ointment. This ointment is identical with blisters, 

 sold by various makers as secret proprietary remedies, at an enormous 

 price. 



In applying it considerable friction must be used, and when the parts 

 become too tender to permit this, as shown by the vesicular eruption 

 which it produces, its use should be abstained from for a few days 

 till these effects have passed off, when it should again be resorted 

 to till the desired result is attained. In some cases the ointment 

 requires to be reduced in strength, where the skin is more than usually 

 susceptible to irritation by it. This can easily bo done by adding a little 

 more lard. By its great influence in stimulating and facilitating absorp- 

 tion, this ointment is most serviceable in all cases of thickening of 

 the integument, curbs, spleats, incipient spavin, &c, and should be kept 

 by all large horse owners. 



When a bruise is of a very severe character, there is danger of the 

 local inflammation extending and producing general disturbance of the 

 system, and where this danger is imminent the diet should be of a non- 

 stimulating nature; reduce the amount of corn, give some cut grass, 

 clover, or vetches, and a few mashes with sliced carrots, if convenient. 

 A dose of physic may also be given with advantage, and the horse may 

 have four or six drachms of nitre in his water or mash for a few nights. 

 These means, with the local applications advised, and such rest as the 

 nature of the case shows to be expedient, will prove successful in prevent- 

 ing extension of the injury and removing local effects. 



