DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 117 



quickly rubbed as dry as possible, an application of alcohol rubbed 

 over the wet part, and a dry blanklet snugly fitted over the animal. 

 If the hot applications appear to benefit, they may be tried on three 

 or four consecutive days. Unless every facility and circumstance 

 favors the application of heat in the foregoing manner, it should not 

 be attempted. If the weather is very cold or any of the details are 

 omitted, more harm than good may result. Mustard may be applied 

 by making a paste with a pound of freshly ground mustard mixed 

 with warm water. This is to be spread evenly over the sides back 

 of the shoulder blades and down to the median line below the chest. 

 Care should be taken to avoid rubbing the mustard upon the thin 

 sMn immediately back of the elbow. The mustard-covered area 

 should be covered with a paper and this with a blanket passed up 

 from below and fastened over the back. The blanket and paper 

 should be removed in from one to two hours. When pneumonia fol- 

 lows another disease, the system is always more of less debilitated 

 and requires the careful use of stimulants from the beginning. To 

 weaken the animal still further by bleeding him is one of the most 

 effectual methods of retarding recovery, even if it does not hasten 

 a fatal termination. 



Another and oftentimes fatal mistake made by the nonprofessional 

 is the indiscriminate and reckless use of aconite. This drug is one 

 of the most active ppisons, and should not be handled by anyone 

 who does not thoroughly understand its action and uses. It is only 

 less active than prussic acid in its poisonous effects. It is a common 

 opinion, often expressed by nonprofessionals, that aconite is a stimu- 

 lant. Nothing could be more erroneous; in fact, it is just the reverse. 

 It is one of the most powerful sedatives used in the practice of medi- 

 cine. In fatal doses it kills by paralyzing the very muscles used in 

 breathing; it weakens the action of the heart, and should not be used. 

 Do not give purgative medicines. If constipation exists, overcome it 

 by an allowance of laxative diet, such as scalded oats, bran, and lin- 

 seed mashes; also, grass, if in season. If the costiveness is not re- 

 lieved by the laxative diet, give an enema of about a quart of warm 

 water three or four times a day. 



A diet consisting principally of bran mashes, scalded oats, and, 

 when in season, grass or corn fodder is preferable if the animal 

 retains an appetite ; but if no desire is evinced for feed of this par- 

 ticular description, then the animal must be allowed to eat anything 

 that will be taken spontaneously. Hay tea, made by pouring boiling 

 water over good hay in a large bucket and allowing it to stand until 

 cool, then straining off the liquid, will sometimes create a desire for 

 feed. The animal may be allowed to drink as much of it as he 

 desires. Corn on the cob is often eaten when everything else is 

 refused. Bread may be tried ; also apples or carrots. If the animal 



