646 AGENTS OP ANIMAL ORIGIN 



A blister of cantharides is serviceable in pericarditis 

 and plenritis with effusion, and, applied over the throat in 

 severe, acute laryngitis, may obviate the necessity of traqheo- 

 tomy. Again, blisters are useful on the poll in inflammation 

 of the brain and its membranes ; and over the spine in 

 myelitis and meningitis ; over the lumbar region in para- 

 plegia. 



A cantharidal application is often efficacious in muscular 

 or joint rheumatism when placed over the affected area, or 

 near by, in acute conditions. Furthermore, a cantharides 

 blister is of advantage in acute diseases of the ear, when 

 rubbed in above and behind this organ ; and will relieve 

 pain in the stomach, and vomiting when applied to the 

 epigastrium. 



Cantharides is the remedy usually employed in the 

 treatment of diseases" of the bones, joints, bursse, ligaments, 

 and tendons. In exostoses, as spavin and ringbone, the 

 ointment is used most effectively after the actual cautery, to 

 secure absorption and resolution, or anchylosis. Cantharidal 

 ointment is often sufficient, together with complete rest, in 

 the treatment of synovitis, and strains of tendons and liga- 

 ments. A cantharides blister is, sometimes, beneficial in 

 hastening the formation of abscess, (" strangles "); or to aid 

 their resolution after paracentesis ; also to stimulate indolent 

 ulcers or wounds ; and to assist absorption of traumatic 

 indurations, when applied around these lesions. The actual 

 cautery, followed by a cantharides blister, will cause swell- 

 ing and close the opening in the abdominal parietes of small 

 umbilical hernias of foals and calves. 



Likewise, blisters are valuable in closing and sealing 

 punctured wounds into joints and synovial cavities.* Can- 

 tharides is commonly employed in ointment (1 to 4-8) made 

 by melting and mixing the excipients in a double boiler ; 

 i.e., over a water bath, and stirring in thoroughly the 

 powdered drug. The following is a good preparation : 



* The U. S. P. cerate may be used, as it is a powerful preparation. 

 Its strength is 33 per cent, cantharides. 



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