454 CONDITIONING. 



bowels, in addition to responding more thoroughly to the 

 action of the drug, regain their normal condition more 

 rapidly. Gripes may be thus prevented and the convales- 

 cence of the patient promoted. On the second and third da3^s 

 before the horse is to be physicked the three feedings of oats 

 should be reduced one half, and a bran mash of equivalent 

 weight given in its place. The day before the physic the 

 oats should be entirely withdrawn, and in their stead a cor- 

 responding weight of bran mash allowed. On the morning 

 of the third day a " ball " of aloes should be given, and the 

 horse deprived of his early morning fare. 



" Aloes is by far the best and safest purgative. Cape and East India 

 are inferior to Barbadoes, chiefly on account of the greater proportion of 

 resinous matter they contain. Aloes is usually and most conveniently given 

 in the solid form as a ball. Four or five drachms are a sufficient dose for 

 most horses if properly prepared ; but large heavy horses may perhaps 

 require five or six. It usually operates in about twenty-four hours. 



" The following prescriptions for an aloetic mass are recommended in 

 preference to those made up with oils or other fats : 



Barbadoes aloes ..... 8 parts. 



Glycerine ....... 2 " 



Powdered ginger ..... i " 



" Melt together in water and thoroughly incorporate. 

 " Dose from 6 to 8 drachms. 



" In cases where the use of ginger is considered objectionable, the 

 same quantity of powdered gentian root may be substituted. The action of 

 the medicine will be slightly increased. 



" Aloetic medicine should not be made up in balls until required for 

 use, but should be kept in a mass in a glass-stoppered bottle. When divided 

 into small portions, as in balls, it soon becomes dry and hard, and is then 

 uncertain in its effects. A single ball can be made up by reducing the 

 aloes (4 or 5 drachms) to powder in a mortar, and adding 2 drachms of 



