136 



The Diseases of Animals 



ou more than forty - eight hours continuously, and 

 should be changed several times during this period. 

 Poultices are usually made of flaxseed meal, bran, bread 

 and milk, spent hops, mashed boiled turnips, or other 

 clean, soft substances that will retain heat and mois- 

 ture. They may be applied by binding them on the 

 part directly, or by putting them in a bag of thin cloth. 

 Pulverized charcoal, or a teaspoonful of carbolic acid 

 to a pint of poultice, is excellent to keep the substance 

 clean and "sweet." For fomentations, see page 142. 



ENEMAS 



Enemas, or clysters, are injections of warm water into 

 the rectum. They may be medicated or not. They are 

 given for the purpose of emptying the bowels and 

 stimulating their movements. In some cases they are 

 also given to remove or destroy worms that may be in 

 the rectum. Six to eight quarts of warm water is 

 usually a sufficient quantity for an adult 

 horse. If the water is slightly soapy, its 

 action is increased; a half-teacupful of 

 pure glycerine added to the water is excel- 

 lent. Enemas are best given by means of 

 a hose with a smooth nozzle attached to 

 a small force-pump. In the absence of a 

 force-pump, a tin funnel inserted in a 

 small piece of hose about 

 three feet long answers 

 very well; one end of the 



Fig. 32. Apparatus for giving injections hoSC is inserted iuto the 



