24: 



VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



ball. It is not at all necessary that a ball should be always large or of a 

 fixed size; indeed, the smaller the better, if it can be as surely adminis- 

 tered. 



Electuaries are easily given by rubbing on the tongue or the teeth, 

 from whence they are at once licked and swallowed with the saliva. 



Medicines of which but a very small quantity is administered at a 

 time, may be dropped or poured upon the tongue. 



In applying Blisters, the affected part should have the hair closely 

 clipped or shaven off. If properly applied and watched, blisters should 

 not leave any permanent mark or scar. If a blister appears to be too 

 severe, it should be removed, the vesicant washed off, and olive oil freely 

 rubbed over the part. Never remove the loose cuticle raised by a blister 

 until it begins to peel off naturally. If the horse shows any disposition 

 to gnaw at the blister, his head should be tied up so that he cannot reach 



Fig. 16. 



Cradle to prevent biting at a wound. 



it, or a cradle put on his neck. Fig. 16. This may readily be made by 

 any one with some smooth light sticks and stout twine. 



Blisters, whether intended to produce simple irritation or redness or 

 to actively inflame the deep tissue, are applied by rubbing or smearing 

 upon the skin such agents as will produce the desired result. After suf- 

 ficient action has been set up, further irritation may be arrested by gently 

 washing off the substance used, and applying olive oil. 



Bleeding is a most powerful and certain depressant and sedative. 

 It lessens the action of the heart and lungs. It produces this effect 

 mainly by diminishing the quantity of blood in circulation, and it also 

 acts in some not very easily ascertainable way on the nervous system. 



