MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 85 



Ergot. This is produced from diseased rye and is of great value in 

 the foaling season, as it is the most effectual remedy known for increas- 

 ing the action of the uterus, when there is not sufficient contraction 

 Great care should be taken when it is given that nothing prevents de- 

 livery, except deficient action of the uterus. It should not be used by the 

 non-professional as they would be more likely to do harm than good 

 with it ; in fact, the cases demanding its use are very rare, but, as we said 

 before, where its use is really called for nothing else will act as well. 



Dose. Of the powder, J to 4 ounce. Of the tincture, one to two fluid 

 ounces may be given. 



Ethek. (Sulphuric Ether.) This is a very valuable remedy and is used 

 with excellent results for colic, and for various purposes is a good anti- 

 spasmodic. Given with tincture of«opium it works admirably for colic. 



Dose. One to two fluid ounces. 



EuPHORBiUM. This is the concrete, resinous juice of a plant growing 

 in Africa and in some other parts of the world. 



Use. Owing to the severity of its action its internal use has been 

 entirely abandoned and it is now used only externally, and it is so se- 

 vere that it is but very little used even in that way. 



Male Fern. The root of a plant growing in South Africa. It is said 

 to be very valuable for ridding animals of worms. 



Dose. It may be given to the horse in doses of ^ to one pound of the 

 powdered root, and may be followed with a purgative the next day. 



Fenugreek. An annual plant growing spontaneously in Southern 

 Europe. It has a peculiar odor which is quite agreeable. The seeds, 

 ground, is the portion used, and they enter largely into nearly all the 

 condition powders which are put up and sold through the country. 



Dose, i to 1 ounce. 



Nut Gall. A morbid excresence upon the oak tree resulting from 

 holes being made in the bark by an insect. 



Uses. It is a powerful astringent, and is used to bind the bowels when 

 affected with diarrhoea or dysentery ; used also for applying to the greasy 

 heels of horses. 



Dose. One to three drachms. 



Gentian. A valuable tonic. It excites the appetite, invigorates di- 

 gestion, moderately increases the temperature of the body and the 

 force of the circulation, and may be combined with iron for debility, 

 and is used in connection with other drugs for various purposes and 

 forms an important part of various condition powders. 



Dose, i to 2 drachms, repeated 2 or 3 times a day. 



Ginger. Several varieties, of which the Jamaica or white ginger is 

 the best, but all are used with good results for colic, loss of appetite. 

 &c., and should enter into every dose of purgative medicine. 



