122 SPECIAL EQUINE THERAPY 



1. Depleting internal medication. 



2. Local or regional applications. 



3. Prophylactic bacterin therapy. 



4. Dietary regulations. 



1. Despite recent improvement in the line of hypo- 

 dermatic medication, for cathartic effect we have found 

 nothing that has a more satisfying effect in eases of lym- 

 phangitis than aloes. From an ounce to an ounce and a 

 half in bolus form, is the ideal cathartic in these cases. 

 For the best effect the bolus should be hard. Powdered 

 aloes given loosely in capsule is not satisfactory ; neither 

 have we found the effect of aloin nearly so satisfactory 

 as that of aloes. As soon as the cathartic effect of the 

 aloes is established we begin the administration of small 

 doses of salol or sulpho-carbolates compound. This ad- 

 ministration is kept up until the case assumes a favorable 

 aspect, usually four days. If the appetite is entirely 

 absent, an occasional dose of bitter tonics may be given. 



2. Local applications consist of prolonged fomentation, 

 at least twenty minutes out of each hour. The water 

 must be as hot as the patient will bear it. These fomen- 

 tations are followed by the local application of solutions 

 of lead acetate, or other astringents. 



3. Every case of lymphangitis should receive a prophy- 

 lactic dose of mixed bacterins to forestall abscess forma- 

 tion. 



4. Dietary measures consist of total abstinence from 

 grain. Hay may be eaten freely. Water may be given 

 ad libitum. 



During the first four or five days the patient must not 

 be moved ; absolute rest is imperative. At the end of this 

 time, if considerable improvement in the general condi- 

 tion is noted, the animal may take a few steps. The 

 amount of exercise is to be gradually increased, and at the 

 end of a week the horse may be turned loose, or put to 



