500 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 



ment absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract, and for its tonic eifect on 

 the nervous system. In fever, it abates cerebral hyperemia, delirium and 

 excitement, and promotes rest and quiet. 



The Pries^nitz Poultice* is similar to the wet pack, but a waterproof 

 protective is interposed between the wet blanket, sheet, sponges or cloths 

 on the inside and outside woolen coverings. Evaporation is thus pre- 

 vented, but not vaporization. Such an application may be used with 

 safety in febrile diseases, as pleuritis and pneumonia. If it is not re- 

 newed frequently, hyperemia of the surface occurs, and this may be bene- 

 ficial in aborting or relieving internal congestion. It then acts as an 

 ordinary poultice, and is of value in various local inflammations resulting 

 from strains, blows and bruises; also, in laryngitis. Besides relieving 

 internal congestion, the Priessnitz poultice stimulates absorption, removes 

 induration and hastens suppuration, locally. The wet pack and Priess- 

 nitz poultice are more appropriate for practical use than the other 

 methods in veterinary practice, since the evaporation from the hair of 

 animals contraindicates methods suitable in human medicine. 



Cold Baths are only practicable for the smaller animals. Dogs may 

 be immersed in water at 90° F., which is rapidly cooled down to 60°. 

 The bath should last about fifteen minutes, the surface of the body being 

 rubbed constantly. Ice water should be frequently poured over the head. 

 After removal from the water, the patient must be thoroughly dried, 

 wrapped in warm blankets, and a stimulant given if necessary. Such 

 treatment may be used as an antipyretic measure if the temperature is 

 over 103° F. in the rectum. 



Douches. — A douche is a forcible impact of water against the sur- 

 face of the body. It is not used for its antipyretic effect, but acts as a 

 stimulant to the nervous system at large, whereby the respiratory action 

 is deepened and strengthened, and the circulation invigorated. The 

 douche is given advantageously in the treatment of coma, of alcohol, 

 chloroform, ether or opium, applied to the head. The water may be 

 dashed from a pail or applied by means of a garden hose or from a tap. 

 Rheumatic lameness and peripheral paralysis are suitable cases for the 

 douche treatment, followed by vigorous rubbing and dry bandaging. 

 Syncope may often be quickly relieved by douching of the head and chest. 



Local Baths are good, especially in inflammatory conditions of the 

 feet in horses. Tubs may be employed for the animals to stand in, the 

 water being changed frequently or being kept cool by ice. It is not 

 advisable to allow animals to stand in large bodies of water on account of 

 the danger they incur of "catching cold" from surface, evaporation. The 

 value of the local use of water in acute laminitis is worth mentioning 

 here. After the shoes have been removed the extreme pain may be allevi- 

 ated by standing the horse in quite hot water, suflicient to reach up to or 

 above the fetlocks. Good results are obtained by changing to ice water 

 after the first day and continuing this for several days, in this way caus- 



*The Priessnitz'scher umschlag (poultice) of the Germans Is often defined 

 as a cold water compress, without waterproof covering. It must be renewed 

 frequently, as it soon dries. Its effect is cooling and not as a poultice in supply- 

 ing moist heat, and it does not aid phagocytosis. 



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