282 VETERINARY STUDIES 



thartic, which causes a large secretion of fluids from the intes- 

 tinal walls, thus rendering the bowel contents very fluid. It 

 is very soluble, for it will dissolve in its own weight of warm 

 water. This is a very satisfactory laxative or cathartic for 

 cattle and sheep, but not so good for horses. Epsom salts is 

 useful in small doses for horses in feverish conditions. 



j)oses. — Cattle take for cathartic one to three pounds; sheep 

 and hogs take one-eighth to one fourth pound. It is frequently 

 desirable to add one sixth the total weight of powdered ginger 

 and give as a drench and it is better to give rather dilute 

 drenches; e.g. the cow's dose should be dissolved in two to three 

 pints of water, and the others in proportion. 



Raw linseed oil. — Raw linseed oil is used in veterinary prac- 

 tice for diluting stronger medicines, for making liniments and 

 various applications for external use, and it is administered 

 internally as a laxative or cathartic, depending upon the dose 

 used. It is very safe and but slightly irritating for horses, 

 cattle, sheep or swine. 



Boses. — Cattle take two to four pints; horses, one to three 

 pints; sheep and hogs take one fourth to one pint. 



Rectal injections of warm water may follow the dose of oil, 

 and it is desirable, if there is sufficient time, to prepare horses 

 by several warm bran mashes before giving the oil. 



Stimulants and Tonics 



Alcohol.^ — Alcohol is a difl:'usive stimulant, diuretic, antispas- 

 modic, and diaphoretic. Large doses are narcotic. Medicinal 

 doses check spasmodic conditions of involuntary muscle fibers, 

 stimulate the heart and lungs, equalize circulation, and tem- 

 porarily overcome depression. Alcohol is soluble in all pro- 

 portions in water, and should be diluted at least four times for 

 internal use. 



Doses. — Cattle, two to four ounces; horses, one to two ounces; 

 sheep, one half ounce; hogs, one fourth to one half ounce well 

 diluted as above. 



Aromatic spirits of ammonia. — This is a quick, very useful 

 and typical stimulant. It consists of ammonia carbonate, am- 



^ A diuretic stimulates the kidneys and increases the flow of urine. A 

 diaphoretic stimulates perspiration. An antispasmodic relieves crampy 

 conditions, especially of involuntary muscle fibres. 



