INFLAMMATION 63 



Describe the application of cold for the relief of inflammatory 

 processes. 



1. By immersion. The diseased part is placed into a 

 vessel with cold water, a fresh supply of cold water being 

 added from time to time to get the action of continuous cold 

 (the latter being done away with in case the parts are 

 immersed in a flowing stream, as a brook, etc.) This method 

 is practically confined to the treatment of inflammatory states 

 of the hoof. 



3. Cold fomentations. Consists of the application of 

 some absorbent material, as cloths, bandages, etc., kept moist 

 with cold water. This method is not very effective unless the 

 dressing is moistened every five minutes. Experiments have 

 shown that the temperature of the parts drops during the 

 first two to three minutes, to rise to within the original 

 temperature shortly ; at best the temperature can be kept 

 down when cold is applied every five minutes, which lowers 

 the temperature permanently some 5 to 9 degrees F. In 

 these cases the addition of such agents as vinegar, alum, 

 lead acetate, disinfectants (as carbolic acid, chloronaphtho- 

 leum, formalin, etc.), is of twofold value : they infiuence 

 acute inflammatory processes favorably, prevent infections 

 and ease the mind of the owner, as the mere use of cold 

 water may seem insufiicient to him. 



3. Continuous irrigation. This represents undoubtedly 

 the most valuable means of applying cold. It consists in 

 allowing a thin stream of cold water with or without the 

 addition of medical agents to flow continuously over the 

 diseased part. Experiments have shown that by this method 

 the temperature of the irrigated part dropped about 36 deg. 

 F. after one hour's irrigation. 



