INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS 49 



Although its first symptoms may exhibit a mild char- 

 acter, yet we have seen how rapid they become in 

 their after-effects. To palliate it therefore would be 

 absurd. In a previously healthy animal bleeding may 

 be resorted to. During the flow of the blood the 

 pulse should be felt all the while to mark its progress, 

 and the slightest change in its character should be 

 accepted as indicating that no more blood should be 

 withdrawn. If the horse be costive, which is fre- 

 quently the case in inflammation of the lungs, from 

 four to six ounces of Epsom salts, mixed with a gruel, 

 will be found useful, and we must next have recourse 

 to blistering the chest with mustard. 



Febrifuge medicines must now be resorted to, and 

 the following doses may be given : — 



Nitre 3 drachms, 



Emetic tartar . . . . i J drachm, 

 Digitalis i drachm. 



This medicine is to be given daily in a ball until the 

 fever has subsided, as indicated by the thermometer 

 standing at ioi°. 



It is a great mistake to suppose that in this com- 

 plaint the stable should be kept close and warm ; for 

 the very cause which in a great measure operated in 

 remotely inducing the disorder is again brought into 

 play. Rather let warm clothing be put upon the 

 horse, which will have a tendency to keep up in- 

 sensible perspiration. 



After this the horse should be well rubbed down, 

 and his legs in particular should have a smart applica- 

 tion of the brush, in order to restore heat and an 

 increase in the circulation, and then thickly rolled up 

 with flannel to keep up the action. The rubbing 

 should be repeated from time to time. The less he 



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