THE EQUINE HOSPITAL FORMULARY. 137 



Potass, nit., oii. 



Potass, bicarb., 5SS. 

 Opium should only be given when there is pleuritic pain, 

 and it is well to always abstain from active purgatives, and 

 only give enemas or small doses of oil. "When the pulse 

 is weak, give stimulants, e.g.^ about seven fluid ounces of 

 whisky thrice daily, if it prove beneficial. On the other 

 hand, bromides may be useful when the breathing becomes 

 worse. Tonics are useful during convalescence. 



Poisoning. 



Arsenical. — Hydrated sesquioxide of iron or hydrate of 

 magnesium are useful. Hot rugs should be applied to the 

 abdomen. Stimulants, e.g., port wine or brandy, with 

 linseed and oatmeal gruel. If the poisoning be of a chronic 

 nature, tonics, especially iron, and a good diet. 



Horse-owners should insist on no drugs being given to 

 their horses except such as they themselves or their veteri- 

 nary surgeon order. It is absurd to expect a knowledge of 

 therapeutics to be possessed by those who have not specially 

 studied this intricate subject. The fact is that it may be 

 easier in some cases to produce a shining coat with 

 dangerous medicines than with rubbing down, and no 

 doubt this kind of thing still goes on suh rosd, and all such 

 practices ought to be discontinued, and, if necessary, 

 exposed and stopped. In every stable a cardinal rule 

 should be : ' Good, honest rubbing-down, fair coats, and 

 no poisons. If a horse be ill, send for the veterinary 

 surgeon.' 



It seems very difficult to put a stop to these customs. 

 Chronic arsenical poisoning still occurs, and so long as 

 grooms pride themselves so much on shining, glossy coats, 

 and think they can safely use poisonous medicines, it will 



