490 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



as will prevent it from becoming costive, such as 

 mashes of bran, and linseed or thick oatmeal-gruel, 

 and occasionally fresh grass. But should costiveness 

 come on, then let a pint of castor oil be given in a 

 quart, or half-a-gallon of thin warm gruel. It is a 

 most important point to keep the bowels open in all 

 such cases. 



In protrusion of the bowels it often happens that a 

 quantity of air collects in the part which has been 

 forced out, and so enlarges it that the orifice of the 

 wound will not admit of its being returned. It 

 will therefore be necessary to enlarge the opening 

 with a sharp knife, but very great caution is necessary 

 not to cut any vital part. This is most effectually 

 prevented by guiding the knife with the fore-finger. 



When, however, such dangerous wounds have 

 been inflicted, it will be safer to have them treated by 

 a skilful veterinary surgeon ; and it is only for the 

 instruction of those who are far from such aid when 

 an accident occurs that we have pointed out the 

 best mode of treating it. 



When parts which are greatly inflamed become 

 gangrenous, instead of suppurating, exciting stimu- 

 lants must be applied. Let the following simple 

 application be first tried : — 



Tincture of myrrh . . 2 ounces, 



Corrosive sublimate . . 12 grains, 

 Pure water .... 4 ounces. 



Some practitioners recommend a solution of the 

 sulphate of copper, in the proportion of half-an-ounce 

 to four ounces of water. 



The following has also been advantageously used : — 



