22 



VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



deodorizer, may become so loaded with impurities as to become stinking 

 Similarly, disinfectants can only combine with a certain proportion of 

 noxious gases or organic matters, and then become inert and 

 valueless. 



Disinfectants, however, and deodorizers, whose action is somewhat 

 similar, though very valuable assistants, should never be allowed to take 

 the place of free ventilation. It is true that they have, as explained 

 above, a very beneficial effect in killing or breaking up tlie poisonous 

 particles ; but they are not sufficient thoroughly to purify the air. Free 

 ventilation, or, in other words, a real and actual change of the air, 

 whether in the stable or in the sick chamber, is absolutely necessary. 

 Together with plenty of fresh air and due regard to cleanliness, disin- 

 fectants and deodorizers are useful means of 

 purifying the air of stables, and also in neutral- 

 izing those noxious emanations given off from 

 the bodies and breath of diseased animals, 

 which, if undiluted or undestroyed, may be- 

 come fruitful sources of diseases. It must never, 

 however, be supposed that they supersede or 

 even diminish the necessity for adequate venti- 

 lation and scrupulous cleanliness. 



It is a well ascertained fact that in hosj^i- 

 tals, where much reliance has been placed on 

 the use of disinfectants, disease has often 

 spread with greater rapidity and virulence than 

 in buildings where no such agents have been 

 used, and where, in consequence, thorough 

 ventilation has been more carefully attended to. 



Steaming may be most efficiently performed by use of the bronchitis 

 kettle specially made for the purpose, but as few are likely to li^ave 

 sufficient use for it to warrant its purchase, recourse may be had to the 

 nose-bag. Fig. 14. Any old grain bag will answer, provided it is clean. 

 Make some ragged holes in the bottom and about the lower part of the 

 bag; into this place some clean hay, and pour a couple of quarts of 

 boiling water upon it, and as soon as the hay is saturated, tie the bag over 

 the animal's nose. This operation should be repeated as often as the 

 vapor ceases to rise, for at least an hour at a time. 



Poultices, though very convenient in the human subject, are not 



Fig. 14. 

 Nosebag for steaming the respi- 

 ratory passages. 



