84 MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 



grayish-white, pulverulent substance, with an odor similar to that of 

 chlorine. 



Uses. — Chloride of lime is a disinfectant, and, from its deodorizing and 

 antiseptic properties, makes an excellent stimulant to unhealthy ulcers, 

 applied in solution ; also, for cutaneous eruptions, etc. Its principal use is 

 as a disinfectant in stables occupied by glandered and other sickly horses, 

 and it may be sprinkled on the floor every morning, or may be suspended 

 in the stable in a box which has several holes cut into it. 



Dose. — When it is thought best to give it internally, one to three drachms 

 may be given at a dose, in water. 



Chloroform is a colorless, volatile liquid, having a bland, ethereal 

 odor and a sweetish taste. 



Uses. — It is an excellent stimulant for horses, when having a chill from 

 cold, or in congestion, and is sometimes given to quiet pain in colic and 

 other painful diseases. It is used mostly in liniments and sometimes for inha- 

 lation. One ounce of chloroform and three ounces of olive oil, well mixed, 

 make an excellent liniment for external use. When chloroform is given to 

 the horse by inhalation he should be well secured, so as to prevent his doing 

 any damage, as it sometimes makes him perfectly wild and uncontrollable. 

 When any operation of any considerable extent is to be performed it is best 

 to tie the horse down, and then administer the chloroform by pouring about 

 an ounce of it on to a sponge, holding the sponge to one nostril, and cover- 

 ing the nose loosely with a large towel ; but care should be taken to allow the 

 horse pure air, also, to breathe with the fumes of the chloroform. Usually 

 two to four ounces is sufficient to produce its effects when inhaled. 



Dose. — One to two drachms, well diluted with weak spirits. 



Croton Oil. — This is a very powerful cathartic, and dangerous, if 

 improperly used, but, as a "last resort," oftentimes works very well. 



Dose is usually from ten to fifteen drops. 



Elecampane. — This is one of the best medicines in use for lung affec- 

 tions, and should enter largely into all mixtures for this class of diseases. 

 It is also an agreeable aromatic, and should form a part of all condition 

 powders. 



Epsom Salts. (Sulphate of Magnesia.) — This medicine, so well known 

 in every household, is used with good results as a febrifuge, and is often 

 given as a purgative. It is not only cheap, but is very good for several 

 diseases, and forms a part of various condition powders. 



Dose.— One-fourth to one-half pound, dissolved in as large a quantity of 

 cold water as can be given the horse conveniently, with one ounce of ginger ; 

 also, allowing the horse to drink, if he will, after the salts have been given, 

 for the reason that they will be much more efficient if largely diluted. 



