IiINEN BANDAGES. 53 



bandages applied to the extremities, excite a vigorous action 

 within their vascular tissues. They aid in the removal of any 

 incipient inflammation which may be excited withia the joints 

 and sheaths of the tendons. They also aid in the reduction of 

 any over-excitement within the structures which may arise from 

 undue exertion ; also in the dispersion of swelling of the limbs. 

 In short, they may be used with advantage in many ways, 

 and every good groom will advocate their adoption. 



The proper time to apply wet bandages will depend mainly 

 upon the state of the limbs; upon the quantity of work 

 done by the animal ; and upon the season of the year. Where 

 the Umbs are fine, free from puffiness around the joints, the 

 weather cool, and the labour of the horse easy, the frequent 

 application of wet bandages is unnecessary. But if the limbs 

 and feet are tender and puffy, from constant battering upon the 

 roads, wet bandages may be applied three or four times a week 

 during the summer, and twice a week during the winter season. 



By the combined application of wet and dry bandages to the 

 Umbs, the effects of cold water may be varied to a remarkable 

 extent. The skin may be forced into a state similar to that 

 produced by the application of a blister. By their extreme and 

 constant use, the tissues of the limb become inflamed, the hair 

 peels away in large patches ; and if the bandaging process be 

 pushed stUl further, the skin vdll ulcerate, and suppurate 

 abundantly. To produce effects similar to those detailed, it is 

 only necessary to apply wet bandages repeatedly to the limbs, 

 and over the wet bandages lightly to fold dry thick woollen ones. 

 By repeated application is meant, that as soon as the reaction 

 of the limb has subsided, and the wet of the linen bandage 

 evaporated, a re-appUcation of both bandages in the manner 

 described be again, for some time, immediately resorted to. 

 "When the limbs are weakened, and the tendinous structures are 



