— 299 — 



thirst, and the iron supported the strength and system, also acting 

 as an astringent (to dry up). 



This medicine should be seconded by good feeding and plenty 

 of it. (See Iodide of Iron in Medicine List.) 



Diaphoretics. — This term is applied to medicines having the 

 power of j)roducing sweating. The horse is not easily acted upon 

 in this way by the use of medicines, except b}^ one or two articles, 

 as aconite or veratrum (which see). Slight moisture on the skin 

 is very desirable in cases of fever. The cold water douche is used 

 by hydropaths for this purpose. 



When sweating is desired for the cure of disease, it must be 

 done without increasing the heart's action. This is the great 

 secret in producing diaphoresis. 



Diarrhoea. — (1.) Simple Diakuhcea consists of a looseness, or 

 fluid condition of excrement, from something irritant in the 

 bowels, and which does not freely pass away. When this condi- 

 tion is present, and no pain, gri})ing or pawing as in colic, it may 

 be well let alone. 



(2.) Continued Diarrhoea. — This is often the case when irrita- 

 tion does not pass awa}^ with the offending matter, and the bowels 

 continue to discharge a thin fluid. There is slight pain or colic. 

 When this is the case, suspect some irritant poison. (See Poison.) 



Treatment. From whatever cause the diarrhoea may arise, treat- 

 ment that will alki}^ pain is demanded. First. Give twenty to 

 twenty -five drops of the tincture of aconite root in a little cold 

 w\ater. Then give the following powder every two hours, until a 

 change for the better has taken place : — Prepared chalk, half an 

 ounce; catechu in powder, one draelim ; opium in powder, ten 

 grains. Allow the animel ])l(^nty of water to drink, which will 

 help to keep or allay irritation, or what disposition there may be 

 to inflammation. Bran mashes should be given for a few days, so 

 as to overcome the effects of so much drying or binding medicine. 

 Cake meal, or ground flaxseed, will be an excellent assistant in 

 this particular. 



Diathesis. — When we read in medical books of the word dia- 

 thesis, it means a well-marked tendency in a disease by a corre- 

 sponding diathesis : for example, a cancerous diathesis or an 

 inflammatory diathesis. 



