290 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



to the part, until the scab falls off. When the scabs 

 show symptoms of peeling-, their removal may be facili- 

 tated by the application of a lotion of soap and water, 

 applied with a sponge or piece of flannel ; but they 

 must not be forced off, as by doing so a blemish will 

 be left. 



Some persons recommend the removal of all the 

 litter and straw from the stall of the animal, if blistered 

 on the belly or sides ; but we think this unnecessary, 

 as it would be better to put additional clothing, or 

 cover the part with something soft, well secured against 

 being irritated by the straw. It would be as well to 

 keep the horse standing for two days, taking care that 

 he cannot reach the blistered part to blemish his skin, 

 which will be best effected by what is called a cradle. 

 This consists of round strips of wood attached together, 

 extending from the lower jaw to the chest. 



For a sweating blister the best application is an 

 infusion of Spanish flies in turpentine, and that should 

 be reduced to the proper strength with neats'-foot oil, 

 according to the degree of excitement required. 



If the blister has not the effect of removing the 

 disease, it may be repeated after the scab has been 

 healed and removed from the old part. 



It sometimes occurs that absorption of a portion of 

 the flies takes place, which produces strangury, or 

 spasm of the neck of the bladder, and this, upon the 

 principle of counter-irritation, will assist in allaying the 

 more dangerous one. However, this must not be 

 allowed to continue long, as it is of itself a most pain- 

 ful complaint. It will be necessary to supply the 

 horse plentifully with linseed-tea, made in the follow- 

 ing proportions, until the complaint is abated, which 

 will be known by the animal staling less frequently ; 

 as in inflammation of the bladder or its sphincter, the 



