490 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



used to wounds as an antisejjtic dressing. For blistering purposes the 

 biniodide of mercury is commonly employed in veterinary practice. (See 

 Mercury, page 488.) 



Internally, iodine is usually prescribed in combination with potassium, 

 iron, or arsenic; the former to excite absorption of effused fluids or glan- 

 dular enlargements, and the latter as tonics and alteratives. (See Iron 

 and Arsenic, pp. 447 and 453.) Cystic swellings and hydrocele, after 

 the fluid contents have been evacuated, are sometimes injected with 

 tincture of iodine to prevent further accumulations. 



Iodine preparations given internally pass quickly into the circulation, 

 and to all the organs. They are rapidly eliminated by the kidneys and the 

 skin, and are to be found in the saliva, urine, nasal mucus, sweat, and in 

 the milk. Iodides too long continued irritate the salivary glands and skin, 

 and all the organs concerned in separating it from the body. This con- 

 dition is known as lodism. Taken together the symptoms resemble saliva- 

 tion by mercury, there being a spongy condition of the gums, with increased 

 flow of saliva, defluxion of tears, loss of appetite, and prosti'ation, with 

 wasting of the testicles and other glands. Iodides have the efiect of remov- 

 ing the rheumatic poison from subjects of that disease (see Eheumatism, 

 page 21 of this volume), and are given in cases of lead and mercurial 

 poisoning on account of their chemical aflinity for those metals and the 

 comparatively harmless compounds resulting. 



Phosphorus. — Phosphorus is " a non-metallic element obtained from 

 bones ", and by itself is seldom administered to equine patients. It eff"ects 

 changes in certain tissues, especially bone, and in small and long-continued 

 doses increases their density. It is a very active poison in any but frac- 

 tional doses, and speedily induces fatty heart, liver, and other organs. It 

 is given in obscure cases of paralysis and debility in combination with 

 mineral tonics. Phosphoric acid is prescribed with vegetable bitters, and 

 the salts are prescribed for colts with soft bones (rickets). Phosjihates of 

 lime, iron, soda, and magnesia are given as a syrup to assist bone formation 

 in young animals. 



Sulphur. — Sulphur is a drug of much general utility in veterinary 

 practice, and is one of the few " specifics " referred to in our oj^ening re- 

 marks. 



The chief preparations used are sublimated sulphur, commonly called 

 flowers of sulphur, precipitated suljjhur, sulphur ointment, sulphurated 

 potash, and numerous combinations with other metals as sulphides, sul- 

 phites, hyposulphites, and sulphates. 



Actions and Uses. — Sulpliur, either as an ointment or as a .lotion • 

 with oil as the vehicle, has been used for skin diseases from time imme- 



