64 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
lower the temperature of the water many degrees below its 
natural condition. But it is questioned whether permanent 
benefit is derived from cold applications in cases of inflam¬ 
mation. 
Warm fomentations, although not so grateful as cold 
ones to hot swellings, will, however, be found to produce 
better results; as they open the pores of the skin, and if 
applied as hot as the animal can endure it, will more readily 
take off the tension produced by inflammatory swellings. 
Poultices will have the same effect. These should be made 
of lintseed meal, with a little butter or lard spread over the 
surface, which will keep it moist for twenty-four hours. 
Blisters have also been successfully applied in deep-seated 
inflammations ; for, by creating inflammation on the surface, 
on the principle of counter irritation, it will have the 
tendency to lessen it in the other part, as great inflammation 
cannot exist in two parts near to each other. In inflam¬ 
mations of the chest, blisters will be found of much benefit. 
But these should never be applied to parts which are already 
inflamed. 
PLEURISY. 
Symptoms. —This disease is entirely confined to inflam¬ 
mation of the pleura or membrane which lines the chest, 
and hence its name. It has no connexion with the sub¬ 
stance of the lungs. The pulse is hard, but not oppressed. 
The extremities are cold, although not so much so as in 
ordinary inflammation, nor is the membrane of the nose 
so very red. If pressure on the sides is applied, the horse 
will feel pain, and express it by a quick and impatient 
grunt. The unwillingness of the horse to lie down will be 
manifested in this as well as in violent inflammation of the 
lungs. 
