HORSES. 69 



If hot packing or fomentation, or, we may add, poulticing, 

 cannot be done well, it had better not be done at all. Better 

 trust to the Embrocation entirely than poultice or foment 

 indifferently. For internal medicine, opium or its preparations 

 are and have been in great repute from time out of mind. Two 

 scruples of powdered opium in a little warm water should be 

 given every six hours. Aperients should not be given, but time 

 allowed for the natural action of the bowels to be restored when 

 the inflammation has abated. 



ACCIDENTAL (Traumatic) PERITONITIS, 



Inflammation of the investing membrane above referred to 

 may follow on castration or external injury. 



Treatment in such case consists in applying the Elliman's 

 all over the belly, and the administration of opium in balls or as 

 a tincture (laudanum). 



CONGESTION OF THE LIVER. 



Horses habitually fed on corn and never turned out to grass 

 are subject to liver disorders. Influenza is among the most 

 frequent causes of congestion of that organ. Errors of diet and- 

 bad air contribute their quota as well. Impaired appetite and 

 yellow membranes of the eye and mouth are pretty sure signs. 



Treatment. — Con\plete change of diet, a dose of aloes, and 

 daily appHcation of the Elliman's to the right side, beginning at 

 the last rib and going backwards for two hands' breadth. 

 Blisters are not desirable, but a continuance of the Elliman's 

 will so act upon the superficial nerves as to react on those nerves 

 which direct the functions of the liver. 



CHILLED LOINS. 



Clipped horses exposed to the wind are apt to get a chill 

 across the loins. It is made manifest by such stiffness next day 

 that the victim gets up with difficulty and turns with a groan. 



ElHman's is the proper remedy for this condition. Its 

 operation will be helped by first bathing the affected parts with 

 warm water {see Fomentation, 22). The great muscles of the 



