COLD APPLICATIONS VS. COUNTER-IRRITATION. 
737 
drinking water, but after ocular demonstration of its benefit, 
that has somewhat died away. 
Again, how often is the practitioner influenced by his client’s 
wishes. The owner often suggesting counter-irritation because 
he has known of a case that recovered after being blistered, 
and the surgeon consenting merely for the sake of agreeing, 
really “ doctors ” the man at the expense of the horse, knowing 
that if the animal dies with a good smart blister applied to his 
sides the owner will be satisfied that every attempt has been 
made to bring about the animal’s recovery and no blame for 
lack of professional skill will rest upon the veterinary attend¬ 
ant. 
Discussion. 
Dr. Thompson thought cold applications contra-indicated, as cold had been 
the primary cause of the disease. Inquired of essayist if he would take a patient 
with a temperature of 106 ° and lead him to the street on a cold day so that he 
might have beneficial effect of cold wind to lower his temperature. Believe that 
if a little cold would do good in a fever, considerable cold would do more. 
Answer: “The cases are in no way parallel. In the one the application of 
cold in the form of a wet blanket covered with a dry one, the amount of cold is 
limited and the bulk of the body in its heated condition will heat the wetted 
blanket; the shock here cannot be so severe as to cause a chill when the reaction 
occurs. By using the cold to sides we are merely following out nature’s prompt¬ 
ings when she causes the patient to crave for the cold water rather than the hot.” 
Dr. Culbert thinks the cold good, but to facilitate or do away with the 
changing of blankets entirely, would recommend the use of Dr. Magor’s patent 
water bag. 
Dr. Diggs: “Does essayist consider the use of cold applications to be of 
benefit in the congestive stage ? Yes, where temperature is high. 
Dr. Roberts does not favor use of blister. It prolongs cases that might be 
cut short. Considers blisters merely a way to make a larger bill on owner. 
Dr. Culbert: “ What internal treatment do you recommend?” 
Any antipyretic medicine—quinine, acetanilid, salicylate of soda, &c. should 
work well in conjunction with cold application. 
Dr. Shaffer: “I never used any external applications, but believe with 
Prof. Williams that in stagnating cases blisters by rousing the whole system 
might be beneficial.” 
Dr. Thompson believed blister to be of service where pleuro is affected, but 
not when lung substance itself is involved. 
Dr. Culbert: “The only objection to the cold water treatment is that we 
have not as good surroundings for our patients as medical practitioners. Re¬ 
garding blistering, does not think he has ever killed any with it but certainly be¬ 
lieves he has prolonged cases.” 
