6 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



former does not exceed a few grains, it is in some circumstances more 

 convenient to inject it under the skin than to give it by the mouth. 

 Moreover, when administered by subcutaneous injection, it is more rapidly 

 absorbed into the circulation and more prompt in its action than when 

 given by other means. 



Mustard. Mustard is a counter-irritant, sometimes rendered more 

 active by the addition of turpentine or ammonia. It is useful in sore- 

 throat and laryngitis, or as an application to the sides of the chest in 

 pleurisy, bronchitis, and pneumonia. 



It is sometimes used as a condiment with aniseed, coriander seed, 

 turmeric, &c., but otherwise it is seldom prescribed in veterinary practice. 



Myrrh. In the form of tincture, myrrh is sometimes applied to wounds 

 to facilitate their healing, but beyond this it is of little practical use. 



Nitrate Of Potassium. Febrifuge, diuretic and alterative. Useful 

 in influenza, strangles, purpura, and other specific fevers. 



It removes temporary enlargement or " filling" of the legs, and, com- 

 bined with sulphur and antimony, forms an efficient alterative. 



Nitric Acid. A powerful caustic, used to destroy warts and other 

 abnormal growths, and to bring about a healthy action in spreading 

 ulcers. 



Nitric Acid (Diluted). Astringent. When combined with dilute 

 hydrochloric acid it is an excellent liver tonic, especially after an attack 

 of hepatic congestion in the course of influenza, or in fat and idle horses. 



Oil of Turpentine. Given fasting, turpentine is a valuable remedy 

 against intestinal worms. It is also useful as a diuretic, and to check 

 bleeding in capillary haemorrhage. In conjunction with opium, it is 

 given in spasmodic and flatulent colic. 



As an outward application it is usually employed as a counter-irritant, 

 for which purpose it is sometimes mixed with mustard, or with ammonia 

 and linseed oil. In both these forms it is serviceable as an application 

 in sore -throat, or as a counter-irritant in diseases of the organs of the 

 chest and belly. 



Opium. Internally administered, opium is one of the most useful 

 antispasmodic and anodyne medicines employed in veterinary practice. 

 It overcomes the spasm of tetanus and colic, affords relief in enteritis 

 and pleurisy, and arrests the course of diarrhoea and dysentery. In com- 

 bination with ammonia and squills, it is also useful in bronchitis. Ex- 

 ternally, it is applied to sprains and bruises. 



Nux Vomica. A powerful nerve tonic. Specially stimulates the 

 motor centres of the nervous system and restores muscular power in 

 paralysis. Combined with bicarbonate of potash or soda it is useful also 



