GENEKAL TEEATMENT. 359 



ail indication for stimulating the skin, which is most conveniently done with 

 mustard, and which, in the cases we are at present considering, is almost 

 aways followed by a marked fall in the temperature. Contrary to the ordinary 

 custom, I would advise that the counter-ii'ritant should not be applied to the 

 sides of the chest, for great distress may ensue from such a procedure, on 

 account of the skin of that part being in a state of constant movement in 

 breathing; and I think it best to apply it to parts which are at rest, such as 

 the muscles of the limbs. At the same time, we must not ignore the fact that 

 many practitioners who have had long practical experience, advocate blister- 

 ing the sides in chest ca;ses. On the other hand, Williams and several other 

 sound authorities are opposed to any form of blistering in such cases. If we 

 wash to steer a middle course, we might limit the use of counter-irritation to 

 those cases in which the height of the internal temperature indicates to us 

 that the life of our patient is in danger. 



Heat (as for instance by warm fomentations) applied to the surface of the 

 body will act as a mild counter-irritant. As, besides reducing internal 

 temperature, it produces a soothing effect on the system, it should, as a rule, 

 be employed ; care of course being taken that the animal does not become 

 chilled during the interval between the taking off of one fomentation and the 

 application of another. 



Strong purgatives should on no account be given ; for in these diseases, the 

 mucous membrane of the intestines, being in close sympathy with that of the 

 organs of breathing, is in a more or less irritable condition. Consequently, 

 the effect of a severe purgative would be to set up fatal superpurgation, or 

 to seriously aggravate the disease. At the same time, we should keep the 

 bowels in a slightly laxative condition, so as to favour the excretion of waste 

 products. As the blood is the vehicle bv means of which the waste materials 

 of the body are removed, it becomes loaded with them, during inflammatory 

 disease, owang to the increased waste of tissue. When the blood is in this 

 state, the various organs of breathing are unable to perform their respective 

 functions with their normal facility, and, as the presence of inflammation also 

 impedes the function of a part, it follows that we should in these diseases, try 

 to maintain the purity of the blood. Hence, we allow a free supply of fresh 

 air for furnishing oxygen to the lungs ; we apply warm fomentations to encourage 

 excretion from the skin ; we give, to a moderate extent, diuretics, such as nitre, 

 and sweet spirits of nitre, to act on the kidneys, the office of which is to 

 remove waste material from the blood ; we allow a full supply of pure 

 drinking water, to dilute the blood mass ; and give laxative food to act 

 lightly on the bowels ; and, if necessary, a gentle aperient. In cold weather, 

 clothing will be necessary, in order to keep up the temperature of the surface 

 of the body ; but it should be porous, so as not to check evaporation from the 

 skin. 



We should keep up the strength by suitable food, and slight stimulants 

 judiciously given. We may give occasionally chloral hydrate, chlorodyne, or 

 extract of Indian hemp, to soothe pain. 



Every means should be taken to avoid exciting the animal ; for excitement 

 will be followed by an. increase in the rate of the beats of the heart, and a 

 consequent strain on the inflamed organs. As heat is a sedative to the organs 

 of breathing, the animal should be kept in a warm, though thoroughly well- 

 ventilated stall. 



PRACTICAL TREATMENT.— Tlie great secret of success is to 

 take the case in time. The horse should be kept in a large, com- 

 fortable box, w^ell ventilated, but entirely free from draughts. It 

 is most important, in these cases, that the animal should be at once 

 removed from a stable in which the air is foul, or in which there 

 is not a free supply of pure air. If the bowels be costive, give an 



