150 CHAPTER 17. 



297. Aconite. 



Aconite is a prompt and effectual sedative in febrile attacks and in 

 acute inflammation. It moderates and lessens the action of the heart, 

 and hence reduces the quantity of blood which passes in a given time to 

 any part. It has the advantage of not reducing the strength like loss of 

 blood. In a large dose it is highly poisonous ; but the tincture may be 

 safely given in doses of from ten to twenty drops frequently until the 

 pulse is relieved. 



298. Digitalis, tartar emetic, hydrocyanic acid, and belladonna. 



Digitalis operates in much the same way as aconite, but is neither so 

 safe nor so certain. In large doses it causes intermittent pulse, and in 

 excess may produce coma and even death. It is apt to accumulate in 

 the system, and symptoms of poisoning may set in after its use has been 

 continued for some time, or even after its administration has ceased. 

 Its action, therefore, should be carefully watched. The usual dose is a 

 scruple three times a day. 



Tartarized antimony, otherwise called tartar emetic, though powerful 

 in its effect on the human subject, acts very slightly, if at all, on the 

 horse. 



Hydrocyanic acid is also used as a sedative, but is not a safe medicine 

 in inexperienced hands. Half to one drachm is the usual dose. 



Extract of Belladonna, in doses of one drachm with one or two drachms 

 of nitrate of potassa, is also employed as a sedative, but in reality its 

 action is narcotic. 



299. Nauseants. 



Although certain peculiarities in the position and structure of the 

 stomach prevent the horse from vomiting except in rare instances, yet 

 nausea sufficient to keep an irritable animal quiet may be produced by 

 giving one drachm of aloes every other day smeared over the molar teeth. 

 In certain cases, such as broken knees, the important object of keeping 

 the patient quiet is sometimes only to be attained in this way. 



300. Stimulants and diffusible stimulants. 



Stimulants as external applications will hereafter be treated of spe- 

 cially in the chapter on Irritants. We therefore pass them over in this 

 place. 



The internal stimulants used in Veterinary practice are chiefly those 

 known as Diffusible stimulants. They cause rapid, but only temporary 

 excitement of the system. They are very useful in rousing and equalis- 

 ing the circulation, which from any cause may have become languid or 

 even almost paralysed. In shivering fits, for instance, diffusible stimu- 

 lants may by this action ward off attacks of inflammation. Shivering, 

 which is a marked premonitory symptom of such attacks, is produced by 



