HORSES. 105 



ary to give it in the form of a ball ; but a solution of aloes 

 acts more speedily, safely, and effectually. 



Linseed oil is a safe but uncertain purgative ; doses 

 from a pound to a pound and a half. Olive-oil is more 

 uncertain, but safe. Castor-oil, a mild aperient in the 

 human being, is both uncertain and unsafe. Epsom 

 salts are not efficacious, excepting in large doses of a 

 pound and a half, and then not always safe. Rhubarb 

 and jalap have no effect as a purgative on the horse. A 

 strong decoction of thoroughwort is an excellent cathartic 

 for a horse. He may take it in Indian meal, or pour it 

 down his throat. [See Physic, page 33.] 



DIURETICS. 



The principal diuretics for the horse are, rosin, sak 

 petre, turpentine, and potash ; the milder ones are, digi- 

 talis, squills, tobacco, cream of tartar, juniper, &c. 

 Digitalis is peculiarly adapted to high inflammatory af- 

 fections, to be used either with or without saltpetre. 



Rosin is the most active of any in use, and, m a dose 

 of three to six or eight drachms, is very sure in its oper- 

 ation. Saltpetre, in like doses, is sure, but not quite so 

 active ; it is much preferred in inflammatory diseases 

 in urinary obstructions from the gravel. Turpentine or 

 potash is certain ; give of either from half an ounce to 

 an ounce, in two or three quarts of water, fasting. A 

 dose of cream of tartar is four to six ounces. 



In giving diuretics, observe the same precautions as 

 with purgatives. Keep warm, but not hot ; avoid over- 

 exertion ; but, above all, allow a large quantity of tepid 

 water, which increases the effect, and renders the action 

 less hurtful. [See this subject, page 34.] 



BLEEDING. 



The best vein for bleeding horses is that in the neck, 

 particularly in all affections of the head, and in fever. 

 Tie the horse's head up for several hours after. In af 

 Sections of the shoulder, or of the fore leg or foot, bleed 

 rem the plate vein, which comes from the inside of the 



