TKEATMENT OF DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 497 



sulphur and collecting the vapour. Sulphur is the basis of the most effec- 

 tual applications for mange. It is an excellent alterative, combined usually 

 with antimony and nitre, and particularly for mange, surfeit, grease, hide- 

 bound, or want of condition. When given alone, it seems to have little 

 effect, except as a laxative in doses of six or eight ounces ; but there are 

 much better aperients. The black sulphur consists principally of the dross 

 after the pure sulphur has been separated. 



Tar melted with an equal quantity of grease forms the usual stopping 

 of the farrier. It is a warm, or slightly stimulant, and therefore useful, 

 dressing for bruised or wounded feet ; but its principal virtue does not 

 consist in preventing the penetration of du-t and water to the wounded 

 part, but in its softening properties on the horn itself, rendering it softer, 

 more elastic, and less likely to break away. As a common stopping it has 

 been considered objectionable ; but a small proportion, mixed 'v^dth the 

 cow-dung, checks that disposition to thrush which occasionally follows 

 the constant use of the latter. From its diying properties it is the usual 

 and proper basis for thrush ointments ; and from its adhesiveness, and 

 slightly stimulating power, it often forms an ingredient in applications 

 for mange. Some practitioners give it, and advantageously, ^yiih the usual 

 cough medicine, and in doses of two or three drachms for chronic cough. 

 The common tar is as effectual as the Barbadoes for every veterinary pur- 

 pose. The oil, or spirit (rectified oil) of tar is sometimes used alone for 

 the cure of mange, but it is not to be depended upon. The spirit of tar, 

 mixed with double the quantity of fish oil, is, from its peculiar penetrat- 

 ing property, one of the best applications for hard and brittle feet. It 

 should be well rubbed -with a brush every night, both on the crust and 

 sole. 



TiNCTDRES. — The medicinal properties of many substances are extracted 

 by spii'it of Avme, but in many cases in such small quantities as to be 

 scarcely available for internal use in veterinary practice. There are 

 several exceptions to this, however, such as the tincture of opium, tincture 

 of aconite and several others, which are constantly used, and produce very 

 powerful effects. As applications to wounds or inflamed surfaces, the 

 tinctures of aloes, digitalis, myrrh, and opium, are highly useful. 



ToiiACCO, in the hands of the skilful veteruiarian, may he advantageously 

 employed Id cases of extreme or dangerous colic ; but should never be 

 permitted to be used as an external application for the cure of mange, or 

 an internal medicine to promote a fine coat. 



Tonics are valuable medicines when judiciously employed ; but, like 

 cordials, they have been fatally abused. Many a horse recovering from 

 severe disease has been destroyed by their too early, or too free use. The 

 veterinary surgeon occasionally administers them injuriously, in his anxiety 

 to gratify the impatience of his employer. The mild vegetable tonics, cha- 

 momile, gentian, and ginger, and, pei'haps, the sulphate of iron, may some- 

 times be given with benefit, and may hasten the pei'fect recovery of the 

 patient ; but there are few principles more truly founded on reason and 

 experience, than that disease once removed, the powers of nature are 

 sufficient to re-estabhsh health. Against the more powerful mineral 

 tonics, except for the particular purposes that have been pointed out 

 under the proper heads, the horse proprietor and the veterinarian should 

 be on his guard. 



Turpentine. — The common liquid turpentine has been described as one 

 of the best diuretics, in doses of half an ounce, and made into a ball with 

 linseed meal and powdered g-inger. It is added to the calamine or any 

 other mild ointment in order to render it stimulating and digestive, and, 

 from its adhesiveness and slightly stimulating power, it is an ingrediimt 



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