258 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



convulsions, and death. It irritates the bowels less than 

 hellebore. Percivall gives the following formula : 



Powdered white hellebore root, or 



powdered digitalis . . . | drachm. 



Liquorice powder .... J ounce. 

 Syrup to make a ball. 



Diuretics (or " urine-balls," as the stablemen call them) 

 are more active in their operation on the kidneys of the 

 horse than the same class of medicines are with man, who 

 depends more on the excretions by the skin. The physician 

 prescribes diaphoretics to smooth-skinned man ; diuretics 

 have the veterinarian's preference. Sweating a horse, 

 except by exercise — and that will not do in inflammation — 

 is next to impossible. Mow-burnt hay and fermented food 

 act on the kidneys of the horse. Nitre is the leading 

 diuretic ; and for its combinations, and sedatives, see those 

 heads in list of Horse Medicines. 



Alteratives, too, as antimon}^ and mercury, are used in 

 combating inflammation, as well as cold and warm applica- 

 tions. Cold water, or salt and water, or Goulard's lotion, 

 are commonly used. Evaporating lotions have our prefer- 

 ence. Vinegar and water, or spirits and water, answer the 

 purpose well. In cases of much swelling, the following 

 evaporating lotion can be recommended : 



Sal ammoniac 1 ounce. 



A^inegar 4 ounces. 



Spirits of wine 4 ounces. 



Water 1 pint. 



Mix the sal ammoniac and vinegar, then add the water 

 and spirits. 



Or, 



Liquor of acetate of ammonia and spirits 



of wine, each . .... 4 ounces. 



Water . . ... 1 pint. 



Paradoxical as it may appear, zvarm applications are as 

 serviceable in many cases of inflammation as cold ones. 

 When heaty however, is applied, it must always be accom- 

 panied by moisture. 



