82 MEDICIXES USED FOR THE HORSE. 



Arsenic. — This is an active poison in large doses, but when given in 

 proper doses is an excellent tonic, improving the general condition of the 

 horse. It should be given in a large bulk of cut feed, so as to protect the 

 stomach. From two to five grains may be given in the twenty-four hours, 

 and it should be continued for about two weeks, when the medicine should 

 be stopped for one or two weeks, and then it may be given again as before. 

 Some consider it a sure cure for the heaves. 



AsAFCETiDA. — A gum rcsin obtained from a plant of Persia by making- 

 incisions into the living root, collecting the juice which exudes, and drying 

 it in the sun. It has a peculiar odor, similar to that of onions. 



Uses. — It is antispasmodic, expectorant, and a moderate stimulant and 

 laxative. It is given as a vermifuge and for loss, of appetite, also used for 

 heaves, in connection with camphor. (See Treatment of Heaves.) 



Z)ose. — One to three drachms, and, if the stimulant effect is wanted, give 

 from one to two ounces of the tincture. 



Blue Vitriol. — This is an excellent medicine, when given internally, 

 as a tonic, to build up the system. Given for glanders, farcy and various 

 other diseases requiring tonic and alterative medicine, and should be com- 

 bined with ginger, fenugreek or gentian. Externally, blue vitriol is used, 

 with good results, as a caustic for proud flesh, by touching the parts with a. 

 piece of the crystal. It is also excellent for many wounds which have no- 

 proud flesh, by applying it in solution, six to twelve grains to each ounce 

 of soft water. 



Dose. — It may be given in doses of from one-half to one drachm, twice 

 a day. 



Camphor. — A peculiar concrete substance derived from a plant in 

 China and Japan. It is recommended for nervous excitement and for 

 heaves, and is used in many cough mixtures. It is a favorite household 

 remedy, and used externally to a large extent. 



Dose. — Camphor may be given in doses varying from one-half to two 

 drachms. Camphor gum one ounce, and sweet oil eight ounces, mixed, 

 make a very good external remedy for various purposes. 



Cantharides. (Spanish Flies.)— This remedy is produced by collecting- 

 the beetles commonly called Spanish Flies. These insects are of a beautiful, 

 shining, golden green color, and usually make their appearance upon the 

 trees of Spain, Italy and the south of France in the months of May and 

 June, when they are collected by placing linen cloths under the trees on 

 which they have lodged through the night, and shaking the tree early in 

 the morning, while they are torpid from the cold of the night, and conse- 

 quently let go their hold easily. They are then deprived of life by the 

 vapor from boiling vinegar, and dried in the sun or in rooms heated by 

 stoves. 



