DISEASES OF THE HORSE 155 



be free from sediment and germs. When all is ready, the syringe 

 should be taken in the right hand ; the skin in the region of the 

 neck and shoulder is firmly grasped with the left, and with 

 the right the needle is quickly pushed through in a slanting 

 direction and the medicine injected into the loose tissue beneath 

 the skin. In older animals or those with tough skin considerable 

 force is required to push the needle through the skin. It is 

 of greatest importance that the instrument be perfectly clean 

 and sterile, otherwise infection may be introduced along with 

 the medicine. 



External medication. — Medicine is often administered to the 

 horse by applying to, or rubbing on, the skin, in the form of 

 liniments, ointments, lotions, or salves. Applications are also 

 made in the form of poultices and bathing. Liniments, of 

 which there are many kinds, are solutions containing some irri- 

 tating substance such as ammonia or turpentine. They should 

 never be applied to fresh wounds or sores, but are useful in 

 chronic cases of inflammation. Liniment is often mixed with oil 

 and applied to the part by rubbing. Care should be taken not 

 to apply too frequently or rub too hard, as it will blister the part. 



Ointments, of which there are many kinds available, are medi- 

 cines mixed with waxy material and are used to soften, soothe, 

 and heal inflamed parts. Blisters are ointments containing 

 irritating substance, and are used to reduce inflammation. 

 Lotions are medicines in solution and are used to soothe, cool, 

 and heal. 



Poultices are soft, moist substances. They should be appUed 

 hot, but should not remain long, as the tissues become soft and 

 flabby. Poultices are applied to soften and soothe and are very 

 useful to relieve severe inflammation. In old chronic sores they 

 soften the tissues, arrest the irritation, and hasten recovery. 

 They should be changed frequently; and a part should seldom be 

 poulticed for more than forty-eight hours continuously. There 

 are many substances used in making poultices, chief of which are 



