40 VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA. 



rancid, unites readily with more than its own weight 

 of water, is perfectly neutral as a base, readily pene- 

 trates the integument, carrying with it any medica- 

 ment with which it is charged. 



Cotton-seed Oil is a bland oil expressed from the 

 cotton seeds, and largely takes the place of olive oil, 

 which is usually adulterated with it. 



Physiological Action. — Small quantities of fats 

 and oils are said to be necessary for the digestion 

 of nitrogenous foods, and to form the molecular basis 

 of the chyle. Fat, which is an essential constituent 

 of the products of tissue formation, is the main factor 

 concerned in the production of force, and is prepared 

 for assimilation by the action of the pancreatic juice 

 and the bile. After oxidation fat is excreted as car- 

 bonic acid and water. 



Therapeutics. — Olive oil, cotton-seed oil, and 

 lard oil are nutrient, laxative, and emollient. The 

 first two are occasionally given in doses of from one- 

 half to two pints to horses and cattle as a cathartic; 

 for the same purpose in the dog from two to three 

 fluidounces. They are also used to form the body of 

 many liniments, i.e., as " Hartshorn liniment " (aqua 

 ammonia 30, cotton-seed oil 70). The fats and oils 

 are applied locally by inunction in chronic wasting 

 diseases and in scaly skin diseases. In scrofulous 

 conditions cod-liver oil is given internally, and also 

 externally by inunction. Dose: H., fl. 3 i.-ij. ; C, 

 fl. 3ij.-iv. ; D., fl. 3 i.-iv. It is very serviceable as 

 an aid in convalescence from catarrh, influenza, or 

 other debilitating disease, and may be advanta- 



