Materia-Medica. 157 



absence of the groom. It is safe practice to look in once 

 or more during the night, in case a sudden attack of 

 gripes may ensue, especially if the horse is a fresh one. 

 When free purgation is set up, the animal must not be 

 moved out of the stable on any account, and every atten- 

 tion must be given in order to promote the animal's 

 comfort in the way of warmth. As nausea forms a pro- 

 minent sign, food, especially sloppy bran mashes, are an 

 annoyance; therefore, when offering suitable material, 

 let it be in small quantity, and, if refused, at once removed. 

 After twelve hours the purgation declines, or "sets," in 

 stable phraseology. During this time the food should 

 still be laxative, that is, bran may form the greater bulk, 

 but a few oats, a handful of barley, malt, &c, may be 

 mixed with it, and as the appetite returns, the increase of 

 the usual food may be gradually made at each meal, 

 until matters are restored to their former condition. 



When the physic is delayed in action, it is usual to 

 give a little exercise, varying from a walk to a trot, as 

 may be needful, and thus expedite matters ; but on the 

 first appearance of purgation the animal must be returned 

 to the stable. The time best suited for this operation is 

 during warm or temperate weather, and the horses sub- 

 jected to it should have, at least, from four to seven days' 

 rest from absolute work, gentle exercise taking its place 

 from the cessation of purgation. 



The purgation of animals under disease being a part of 

 the rational treatment, details will be found under the 

 various maladies for which it is prescribed. 



ASTRINGENTS. 



Astringents contract animal tissues, upon which they 

 act either when applied locally, administered by the 

 mouth, or introduced into the circulation. 



1. Lotion. — Goulard's extract, 2 fluid oz. : cold water, 

 r pint.* 



2. Lotion. — Sulphate of zinc, ih drms. ; tincture of 

 myrrh, 2 fluid oz. ; cold water, 1 pint. Dissolve the 

 zinc in the water ; then add the tincture.* 



* Label " Poison." 



