82 MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 



Arsenic. This is an active poison in large doses, but when given in 

 proper doses is an excellent tonic, improving the general condition of 

 the horse. It should be given in a large bulk of cut feed, so as to pro- 

 tect the stomach. From two to 5 grains may be given in the 24 hours, 

 and it should be continued for about two weeks, when the medicine 

 should be stopped for one or two weeks, and then it may be given again 

 as before. Some consider it a sure cure for the heaves. 



ASSAFCETIDA. A gum resiu obtained from a plant of Persia by making 

 incisions into the living root, collecting the juice which exudes, and dry- 

 ing it in the sun. It has a peculiar odor, similar to that of onions. 



Uses. It is antispasmodic, expectorant, and a moderate stimulant 

 and laxative. It is given as a vermifuge and for loss of appetite, also 

 used for heaves, in connection with camphor. (See treatment of heaves.) 



Dose. One to three drachms, and if the stimulant effect is wanted 

 give from one to two ounces of the tincture. 



Blue Vitriol. This is an excellent medicine when given internally, 

 as a tonic, to build up the system. Given for glanders, farcy and vari- 

 ous other diseases requiring tonic and alterative medicine, and should 

 be combined with ginger, fenugreek or gentian. Externally blue vitriol 

 is used with good results as a caustic for proud flesh by touching the 

 parts with a piece of the crystal. It is also excellent for many wounds, 

 which have no proud flesh, by applying it in solution, 6 to 12 grains to 

 each ounce of soft water. 



Dose. It may be given in doses from ^ to 1 drachm, and given twice 

 a day^. 



Camphor. A peculiar concrete substance derived from a plant in 

 China and Japan. It is recommended for nervous excitement and for 

 heaves, and is used in many cough mixtures. It is a favorite household 

 remudy, and used externally to a large extent. 



Dose. Camphor may be given in doses varying from ^ to 2 drachms. 

 Camphor gum, 1 oz., and sweet oil 8 ozs., mixed, make a very good 

 external remedy for various purposes. 



Cantharides. (Spanish Flies.) This remedy is produced by collect- 

 ing the beetles commonly called Spanish Flies. 



These insects are of a beautiful, shining, golden green color, and usu- 

 ally make their appearance upon the trees of Spain, Italy, and the 

 south of France in the months of May and June, when they are collect- 

 ed by placing linen cloths under the trees on which they have lodged 

 through the night and shaking the tree, early in the morning, while 

 they are torpid from the cold of the night and consequently let go their 

 hold easily. 



They are then deprived of life by the vapor from boiling vinegar, and 

 then dried in the sun or in rooms heated by stoves. 



