220 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 



sense, and does not signify the same thing as medicine or drug, 

 but comprises all therapeutic aids used to cure disease and to 

 promote restoration of health. Those of most importance are 

 nursing, stable quarters, clothing, food, water, rest, exercise, and 

 surgical operations, as well as medicines. 



(1) Nursing is just as essential in the treatment of a sick 

 animal as in that of a sick person. When rendered in a sensible 

 manner it hastens recovery and fits the animal more promptly 

 for return to service. A competent nurse is one capable of 

 giving intelligent care. He should be observing enough to 

 anticipate changes for the better or worse in the patient, and to 

 provide comforts before they are absolutely necessary. In 

 such diseases as colic, when the horse is in the throes of acute 

 pain ana rolls or throws himself, a nurse should be in constant 

 attendance to prevent the animal from seriously injuring itself. 

 Among the duties of the nurse is that of caring for the skin. This 

 includes both washing and grooming. A sponge-bath removes 

 accumulated sweat and other skin excretions. In the summer, 

 bathing in a lake or river is an ideal way of procuring the same 

 benefits. Grooming keeps the pores of the skin from clogging 

 with dust and dandruff and makes this important excretory 

 organ more active in disposing of wastes. When combined with 

 vigorous rubbing, grooming imparts to the muscles all the bene- 

 fits of massage. The curry comb, dandy brush, and wiping 

 cloth should be used daily. 



(2) Stable quarters suitable for the particular patient should 

 be provided. A large, airy box stall, which has been freshly 

 cleaned and whitewashed, ought to be available for emergency 

 cases. Good light, freedom from drafts, and bedding of a loose 

 texture, such as straw, sawdust, or shavings, are all important 

 details to be looked after when preparing a place for the sick 

 animal. Patients suffering from a nervous disease, like tetanus, 

 need quiet, so should be shut away from noises and other annoy- 

 ances in an enclosed stall. Darkening the windows of the stall will 

 be found helpful in caring for nervous animals, and in summer has 

 the additional advantage of keeping out flies. A temperature 

 of 45° to 50°F. is best for most housed animals in the winter. 

 When necessary, artificial heat should be provided. The 

 humidity of the air also should be regulated. Before being used 

 again the sick stall should be thoroughly disinfected to destroy 



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