MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 81 



Caution. — lu overdoses this valuable drug is an active poison, therefore 

 we would caution all who use it about giving too large quantities, as pros- 

 tration and perhaps death would be the result. Never give more than five 

 or six doses, if twenty-five drops are given at each dose, nor more than 

 5even or eight, if twenty drops are given at each dose. The dose may vary 

 from ten to forty-five drops, but for most purposes should be about twenty- 

 five drops. 



Aloes are of several varieties — Cape, Barbadoes and Socotrine — and it is 

 the condensed juice of the leaves of a plant. Given by some as a purgative 

 or cathartic for horses ; others consider it bad practice to use it much. A 

 dose should, for ordinary purposes, be from one-half to one ounce. It is 

 generally best to combine with it fenugreek, ginger or canella. 



Antimony exists in its natural state in France and Germany. The prep- 

 arations of antimony which are used for the horse most, are, 1st, Sulphuret 

 of antimony, also commonly called Uack antimony, This is by many con- 

 sidered a remarkable remedy for the horse, for many purposes, but espe- 

 cially to make the horse sliine, and to have the appearance of being quite fat. 

 2d. Tartrate of antimony and potaesa, commonly called tartar emetic, has 

 been in great repute in the treatment of diseases of the chest; but is now 

 considered of but little value in these diseases. 



Anise Seed are obtained from the anise plant, which is a native of 

 Egypt, but has been introduced into the south of Europe and is cultivated in 

 various parts of that country, and is cultivated occasionally in the gardens 

 of this country. 



Uses. — It is a grateful, aromatic carminative; and is supposed to have 

 the property of increasing the secretion of milk. It is used for flatulent 

 colic, indigestion, loss of appetite, etc. It is an excellent remedy when 

 combined with other medicines, for various kinds of condition powders. 



-Dose.— One-half to two ounces, which may be repeated three times a day. 



Aqua Ammonia, (called, also. Hartshorn). — This medicine is very valu- 

 lable both for internal and external use. It is a diffusible stimulant, anti- 

 spasmodic and antacid. It is used externally with olive oil, and in various 

 mixtures as a counter-irritant. Used as an antidote for bites of poisonous 

 serpents. Given with good results for flatulent colic in doses of two to three 

 drachms ; given with milk as directed below for carbonate of ammonia. 



Carbonate of Ammonia. — This is a very valuable medicine for debil- 

 ity and prostration from lung fever, bronchitis, influenza, or any disease 

 causing great weakness. Its effects are similar to those of aqua ammonia 

 ^iven above. 



Dose. —One to three drachms, which may be repeated three times a day, 

 iind should be given in milk or cold gruel, which will protect the mucous 

 membranes of the throat and stomach. 



