THE SHEEP. 195 



Calomel (Siihmiiriate or Protocliloride of Mercury).— Calomel is seldom 



used ill the treatment of the diseases of the slieep. In cases of rot, two 

 or three grains of calomel, mixed with a grain and a half of opium, have 

 been found beneficial ; this dose may be repeated every day, or every 

 other day, for several times, its effects being watched. 



Sllipliate of Mercury or Ullliops Mineral. — As an alterative medicine, 

 useful in cutaneous disorders, ^thiops mineral has long enjoyed great 

 reputation; it is usually combined with nitre and sulphur in the follow- 

 ing proportions for a daily dose : -^thiops mineral, one scruple ; nitre, 

 two scruples ; sulj)hur, four scruples. 



Iodine. — Iodine is useful both as an external application, and also as a 

 medicine taken internally, in cases of glandular atiections and indurated 

 swellings of the ndder. Its mopt convenient form is the iodide of po- 

 tassium. An excellent ointment is composed of one part of the iodide 

 and seven of lard. 



Iodide of potassium is strongly recommended in consumption, when 

 tubercles have formed on the lungs. The dose is two grains, gradually 

 increased to four or six, given morning and evening, in a little gruel. 



Ergot of Rye. — In cases of lingering parturition, when the powers of 

 the uterus are exhausted, ei'got of rye is found very useful. It exerts a 

 peculiar action on that organ, and arouses its dormant energy. It 

 should be employed with caution. The dose is a scruple or half a 

 drachm, repeated at intervals of half an hour, if necessary. An infusion 

 of ergot of rye is used by lambers and shepherds, conjoined with a 

 cordial composed of equal parts of brandy and spirits of nitre {sp. cether 

 nitrici). 



SEDITIVE AND FEBRIFUGE MEDICINES.— These are medicines calcu- 

 lated to allay fever and moderate the action of the arterial system. 

 Among these, nitre or nitrate of potass, tartar emetic, or tartrate of an- 

 timony, and the powder of digitalis, i.e.^ of the dried leaves of the fox- 

 glove, are chiefly in requisition. Opium, or tincture of opium (laudanum), 

 is in a certain sense a sedative ; indeed, in some diseases, its use in 

 allaying irritation cannot be overrated. 



Nitrate of Potass. — Nitre is used as a febrifuge with good effect, but 

 generally in combination with other medicines. Its dose is from half a 

 drachm to a drachm. 



Tartrate of Antimony. — The effect of this medicine, in lowering t''e 

 action of the heart and arterial system, is very decided. Hence in many 

 inflammatory diseases it is of great importance. It is given to the sheep 

 in doses of five or six grains. 



Digitalis. — The powdered leaves of the dried foxglove have been long 

 esteemed for their decided effects upon the action of the heart. They 

 not only reduce the force of the pulse, but often render it intermittent. 

 Digitalis, in combination with nitre and tartar-emetic or tartrate of anti- 

 mony, forms an efficient fever medicine in cases of high inflammation, 

 as pleurisy and similar diseases. 



The following formula for sheep has been used with success : digitalis 

 powder, five grains; tartrate of antimony, five grains; nitrate of potass, 

 half a drachm ; water, three or four ounces. Mix. To be given twice 

 a day. 



