256 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 



BLISTERING 



Blistering is an operation often resorted to in the treatment 

 of animals. It is a means of bringing more blood to a part and 

 thus hastening nature's reparative processes. Blisters are com- 

 posed of such irritating substances as cantharides (Spanish fly) 

 and iodid of mercury. These are mixed with some fatty sub- 

 stance such as lard or vaseline to form an ointment. Before 

 applying a bhster the hair should be closely clipped and the 

 scurf brushed out of the skin. The agent must be rubbed into 

 the pores of the skin with the palm of the hand to produce the 

 desired effect. If the application has proved effectual, there 

 will be vesicles or blisters upon the part after twenty-four hours, 

 with some swelling of surrounding parts. On the third day it is 

 usual to bathe the part with warm water and soap, thoroughly 

 dry it, and then apply sweet oil or vaseline to prevent cracking 

 of the skin. 



FIRING 



Firing is the application of a hot iron or the thermocautery 

 to a part. It has for its object the conversion of a chronic into 

 an acute inflammation. When properly used it hastens nature's 

 processes by bringing more blood to the part and makes the 

 animal suitable for work sooner than would otherwise be the 

 case. It is not effective as an agent to reduce the size of bony 

 growths. A more detailed account of the kinds, uses, and manner 

 of applying this method of cautery is given in the section on 

 Treatment for Bone Diseases. For cases of sprained tendons 

 and ligaments after acute inflammatory symptoms have sub- 

 sided, it is very useful to strengthen the weakened tissues. Less 

 use is made of the actual cautery than in former times because 

 it is recognized that many of the attributed benefits are the 

 result of the enforced rest that must follow firing. 



KILLING 



Killing a horse is a somewhat unpleasant duty which every 

 horse-owner may be called upon at any time to perform. The 

 most effective way is to shoot the animal. The place where the 

 bullet should enter is accurately located at the point of intersec- 



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