COMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE 421 



methods of giving medicine, the more common and sim- 

 ple are by drenching, external application, enemas or 

 injecti-«ms into the rectum, blistering and firing. 



Drenchiiiig. — Dissolve the medicine in water, using just 

 enough water to thoroughly dissolve the medicine, as 

 more makes thtsdrench bulky. Shake the drench immedi- 

 ately before administering. Slightly elevate the horse's 

 head and gradually pour the drench into the corner of his 

 mouth. To prevent him from strangling give him the 

 freedom of his head a few times while administering the 

 drench, and do not elevate the head too high. 



External applications. — Medicine is frequently given 

 by applying it to the skin in the form of baths, liniments, 

 ointments, salves, poultices, and the like. Bathing the 

 parts in hot or cold water often proves very beneficial. 

 It is much used and with good results in lessening pain, 

 inflammation and swelling in recent injuries. Liniment 

 is a thin, liquid solution'of a medicinal substance, and is 

 used to relieve pain and inflammation as well as to pro- 

 duce local stimulation. It should never be applied to 

 fresh wounds or sores. Ointment is a waxy material 

 consisting of medicines mixed with fats, and is used to 

 soften, soothe and heal inflamed parts. A poultice is a 

 soft, moist substance used to soften, soothe and relieve 

 severe inflammation. It should be changed frequently. 

 There are many substances used in making poultices, 

 chief of which are flaxseed meal, bran, bread and milk, 

 . • and mashed boiled turnips. Whatever the substance, it 

 should be clean, soft and capable of retaining heat and 

 moisture. To keep it clean and sweet, add a teaspoonful 

 of carbolic acid to a quart of poultice. 



Blisters. — ^These are counter-irritants to be used in 

 chronic or long-continued ailments. There are two kinds 

 in common use, the "fly blister," made from cantharides, 

 and the "red blister," made from biniodide of mercury. 

 Both are poisonous, and their application requires skill 

 and experience. They are made by mixing one part by 



