342 ENTERITIS. 



It is bad practice, I contend, to bring all our therapeutical force 

 to bear upon a violent disease like the present at its onset ; 

 because, if we faU to extinguish it, we have not only exhausted 

 our means, but, in all probability, committed an irreparable 

 mischief. Excessive bleedings weaken the life force, which, let 

 it never be forgotten, is tJie real and only healing power' ; while 

 large doses of medicine, if they do not act to the good of the 

 patient, will unquestionably harm it. Bleeding, although very 

 rarely necessary, yet (as a rule) in every forir^ of acute disease, 

 should never be resorted to at the commencement. 



The proper remedies to use at the onset are those which, 

 though failing to act beneficially, will not be productive of injury. 

 Hot "Water is a remedy of this character, but the administrator 

 must be careful not to scald the animal. Water, at the tem- 

 perature of 114° to 116° Fahrenheit, may be applied to the 

 body externally, or given with safety either as a drench or as 

 an injection, at a temperature of 112° to 116°.* 



To apply Hot Water iu a sufficient quantity topically, two 

 or three woollen rugs are required, and a large vessel to contain ' 

 the water. The rugs should be steeped in the water, the loose 

 fluid then wrung out, and while hot, the cloths should be closely 

 and 'compactly appUed around the abdomen, and made secure 

 to the body by means of an article constructed as shewn by the 

 engraving on the opposite page. 



BoDX Sackiitg. — This article is made of strong sacking, 

 to which is firmly attached a number of leather straps, each 

 strap having a buckle fixed to one end. By this simple con- 

 trivance, sheets dipped in hot water can be firmly retained to 

 the body of the animal without fear of displacement, however 

 violent the patient. 



* For accuracy, every stable should be provided with a Fahrenheit's 

 thermometer, purposely constructed to test the temperature of hot liquids. 



