DISEASE IN GENERAL 221 



any disease-producing germs that its previous occupant may have 

 left. 



(3) Clothing consists of blankets, hoods, and bandages of various 

 kinds. Woollen blankets are best in the winter to protect the 

 animal from exposure. In the summer light cotton sheets are 

 useful in affording protection from the attacks of flies and other 

 biting insects. A specially designed hood is useful in throat and 

 lung diseases to protect the head and neck. Too much covering 

 is detrimental to health, and should be avoided, for the skin 

 will be hindered in performing its functions of an excretory and 

 temperature equalizing organ. Damp, foul-smelling horse cloth- 

 ing is harmful, so care must be taken to air and dry it each day. 

 Bandages protect, warm, and support the legs. Those made of 

 flannel are preferable. The woven cotton, or Derby bandages, 

 possess much elasticity and are very serviceable. Bandages 

 should be changed several times daily, and at each change a 

 thorough hand-rubbing given the legs to stimulate the circulation 

 of the blood. At the same time the application of a mild, stimu- 

 lating liniment, composed of equal parts of alcohol and witch 

 hazel, may be made. Strong liniments applied under a bandage 

 will blister. When applied to the legs, bandages should be 

 rolled from below upward so as not to impede the flow of blood 

 in the veins. Care should be taken that no wrinkles are left' 

 to cause unequal pressure and interfere with the circulation. If 

 a bandage is too tight a ring-like swelling appears above and 

 below it. 



(4) Food for sick animals should be selected very carefully, 

 and fed at regular intervals. Only sound, easily digested food, 

 given in small quantity and at frequent intervals should be 

 offered to sick animals. Digestive disturbances can be materially 

 alleviated by withholding feed for ten or more hours. Smith 

 says that, instead of forcing food on a horse which is "off his 

 feed" from overwork and giving him stimulants, it is much 

 better to allow him a full supply of drinking-water and some 

 green food or carrots, so as to facilitate the removal from his 

 system of the deleterious products that are the cause of his 

 depression. When they have been excreted, his system will 

 demand materials for repair, with the result of healthy general 

 stimulation. On the other hand, animals suffering from debili- 

 tating diseases should be tempted with appetizing food of an 



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