512 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



retic, for the kidneys in this disease will stand a wonderful amount 

 of work. Camphor can be used with advantage. Coffee and tea 

 are two of the diffusible stimulants which are too much neglected in 

 veterinary medicine; both are valuable adjuncts in treatment in 

 anasarca, as they are during convalescence at the end of any grave 

 disease which has tended to render the patient anemic. Dilute sul- 

 phuric acid and hydrochloric acid are perhaps the best examples of 

 a combination of stimulant, astringent, and tonic which can be 

 employed. The simple astringents of mineral origin, sulphates of 

 iron, copper, etc., are useful as digestive tonics; I doubt if they have 

 any constitutional effect. The vegetable astringents, tannic acid, 

 etc., have not proved efficacious in my hands. Iodide of potash in 

 small doses serves the triple purpose of digestive tonic, denutritive 

 for inflammation, and diuretic. Among the newer forms of treat- 

 ment are diluted Lugol's solution injected into the trachea, anti- 

 streptococcus serum and colloidal silver solution injected into the 

 circulation. No one but a qualified veterinarian would be competent 

 to apply these remedies. 



Externally. — Sponging the swollen parts, especially the head, when 

 the swelling occurs there, is most useful. The bath should be at an 

 extreme of temperature — either ice cold to constrict the tissues or hot 

 water to act as an emollient and to favor circulation. Vinegar may be 

 added as an astringent. WTien we have excessively denuded surfaces, 

 suppuration, or open wounds, disinfectants should be added to the 

 wash. 



In cases of excessive swelling, especially of the head, mechanical 

 relief may be required. Punctures of the part should be made with 

 the hot iron even in country practice, as no other disease so predis- 

 poses to septic contamination. AVhen mechanical asphyxia is threat- 

 ened tracheotomy may be demanded. With the first evidence of 

 dyspnea, not due to closing of the nostrils or glottis, or with the first 

 pawing which gives rise to a suspicion of colic, a mustard plaster 

 should be applied over the whole belly and chest. The sinapism will 

 draw the current of the circulation to the exterior, the metastasis to 

 the lungs or intestines is prevented, and the enfeebled nervous system 

 is stimulated to renewed vigor by the peripheral irritation. The 

 organs are encouraged by it to renewed functional activity ; the local 

 inflammation produced by it favors absorption of the exudation. The 

 objection to the use of blisters is their more severe action and the 

 danger of mortification. Septicemia, when occurring as a complica- 

 tion, requires the ordinary treatment for the putrid diseases, with 

 little hope of a good result. 



After recovery the animal regains its ordinary health, and there is 

 no predisposition to a return of the disease. 



