MEDICINES FOR CUBE OF SWINE. 223 



/ I fife ** 



CHAPTER XV. 



The Medicines used in combating the Maladies of Swine. 



THE medicines generally used in the treatment of swine are nei- 

 ther numerous nor complicated. There are, doubtless, many others, 

 besides those enumerated in the. following list, which might be 

 employed with advantage, and which will, as the diseases of these 

 domesticated animals become more studied, be discovered and made 

 use of. 



The caution requisite in the administration of all medicines has 

 been already alluded to in Chapter X.; force should as seldom as 

 possible be had recourse to. 



It must be borne in mind that the doses here given are taken on 

 the average, and must always be proportioned to the size, and con- 

 stitution, and state of health of the animal. In all cases of actual 

 disease, the best and most economical plan will be to have recourse 

 to some good veterinary surgeon within reach. The life of many a 

 valuable animal will thus be saved, for the mere amateur in surgery 

 is always liable to blunder in the choice of remedies, as well as in 

 the application of them, and will often create evils far greater than 

 those he is endeavoring to cure. 



ANTIMONY. Seldom given by itself. In conjunction with sulphur, 

 forms an efficient cooling and cleansing medicine ; and with sulphur 

 and hog's lard, or palm or train-oil, constitutes the common mange- 

 ointment. 



ARSENIC. Useful in mange, and other cases of diseases of the 

 skin. From one ounce to an ounce and a half, dissolved in a gallon 

 of water, will form a solution of sufficient strength. 



CALOMEL. A dangerous drug, and one better left alone. In 

 cases of emergency, however, it may be given in conjunction with 

 an equal portion of tartarized antimony. From two to three grains 

 of each will constitute an active emetic. 



CREOSOTE. Useful in cases of virulent cutaneous eruptions. 



CROTON OIL. A powerful purgative, and one that should only be 

 had recourse to in cases of obstinate constipation. From one to 

 three drops may be given 



