416 MEDICINE. 



does not always disperse warbles and tumours, it takes away much of the tendeineta 

 of the skin. 



SODM SULPHAS. Sulphate of Soda. Glauber's Salt. This medicine is seldom used 

 in the treatment of the horse. It appears to have some diuretic property. 



SOAP is supposed to possess a diuretic quality, and therefore enters into the compo- 

 sition of some diuretic masses. See RESIN. By many practitioners it is made an 

 ingredient in the physic-ball, but uselessly or even injuriously so ; for if the aloes are 

 finely powdered and mixed with palm oil, they will dissolve readily enough in th 

 nowels without the aid of the soap, while the action of the soap on the kidneys will 

 unpair the purgative effect of the aloes. 



STARCH may be substituted with advantage for gruel in obstinate cases of purging, 

 ooth as a clyster, and to support the strength of the animal. 



STOPPINGS constitute an important, but too often neglected part of stable manage- 

 ment. If horse is irregularly or seldom worked, his feet are deprived of moisture; 

 they become hard and unyielding and brittle, and disposed to corn and contraction 

 find founder. The very dung of a neglected and filthy stable would be preferable to 

 habitual standing on the cleanest litter without stopping. In wounds, and bruises, 

 and corns, moisture is even more necessary, in order to supple the horn, and relieve 

 its pressure on the tender parts beneath. As a common stopping, nothing is better 

 than cow r -dung with a fourth part of clay well beaten into it, and confined with splents 

 from the binding or larger twigs of the broom. In cases of wounds a little tar may 

 be added ; but tar, as a common stopping, is too stimulating and drying. Paas made 

 of thick felt have lately been contrived, which are fitted to the sole, and, swelling on 

 being wetted, are sufficiently confined by the shoe. Having been well saturated with 

 water, they will continue moist during the night. They are very useful in gentlemen's 

 stables ; but the cow-dung and clay are sufficient for the farmer. 



STRYCHNIA. This drug has frequently been employed with decided advantage in 

 cases of paralysis in the dog; and lately, and with decided advantage, it has been 

 administered to the horse. The dose is from one to three grains, given twice in the 

 day. 



SULPHUR is the basia of the most effectual applications for matige. It is an excel- 

 lent alterative, combined usually with antimony and nitre, and particularly for mange, 

 surfeit, grease, hidebound, or want of condition ; and it is a useful ingredient in the 

 cough and fever ball. When given alone, it seems to have little effect, except as a 

 laxative in doses of six or eight ounces ; but there are much better aperients. The 

 black sulphur consists principally of the dross after the pure sulphur has been sepa- 

 rated. 



TAR melted with an equal quantity of grease forms the usual stopping of the farrier, 

 It is a warm, or slightly stimulant, and therefore useful, dressing for bruised or wounded 

 feet ; but its principal virtue seems to consist in preventing the penetration of dirt and 

 water to the wounded part. As a common stopping it has been considered objection- 

 able. From its warm and drying properties it is the usual and proper basis for thrush 

 ointments ; and from its adhesiveness, and slightly stimulating power, it often forma 

 an ingredient in applications for mange. Some practitioners give it, and advantageously, 

 with the usual cough medicine, and in doses of two or three drachms for chronic cough. 

 The common tar is as effectual as the Barbadoes for every veterinary purpose. Th3 

 oil, or spirit (rectified oil) of tar is sometimes used alone for the cure of mange, but it 

 is not to be depended upon. The spirit of tar, mixed with double the quantity offish 

 oil, is, from its peculiar penetrating property, one of the best applications for hard and 

 brittle feet. It should be well rubbed with a brush, every night, both on the crust 

 and sole. 



TINCTURES. The medicinal properties of many substances are extracted by spirit 

 of wine, but in such small quantities as to be scarcely available for internal use i* 

 veterinary practice. So much aloes or opium must be given in order to produce effect 

 on the horse, that the quantity of spirit necessary to dissolve it would be injurious OT 

 might be fatal. As applications to wounds or inflamed surfaces, the tinctures of aloes, 

 digitalis, myrrh, and opium, are highly useful. 



TOBACCO, in the hands of the skilful veterinarian, may be advantageously employed 

 in cases of extreme costiveness, or dangerous cholic ; but should never be permitted 

 to be used as an external application for the cure of mange, or an internal medicine tr 

 promote a fine coat. 



