MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 85 



Ergot. — This is produced from diseased rye, and is of great value in the 

 foaling season, as it is the most effectual remedy known for increasing the 

 action of the uterus, when there is not sufficient contraction. Great care 

 should be taken when it is given that nothing prevents delivery, except 

 deficient action of the uterus. It should not be used by the non-professional, 

 as they w^ould be more likely to do harm than good with it ; in fact, the 

 cases demanding its use are very rare, but, as we said before, where its use 

 is really called for, nothing else will act as well. 



Dose. — Of the powder, one-eighth to one-half ounce; of the tincture, one 

 to two fluid ounces may be given. 



Ether. (Sulphuric Ether.) — This is a very valuable remedy, and is used 

 with excellent results for colic, and for various purposes is a good anti- 

 spasmodic. Given with tincture of opium, it works admirably for colic. 



Dose.— One to two fluid ounces. 



EuPHORBiuM. — This is the concrete, resinous juice of a plant growing 

 in Africa and in some other parts of the world. 



Use. — Owing to the severity of its action its internal use has been entirely 

 abandoned, and it is now used only externally, and it is so severe that it is 

 but very little used even in that way. 



Male Fern. — The root of a plant growing in South Africa. It is said 

 to be very valuable for ridding animals of worms. 



Dose. — It may be given to the horse in doses of one-half to one pound of 

 the powdered root, and may be followed with a purgative the next day. 



Fenugreek. — An annual plant, growing spontaneously in Southern 

 Europe. It has a peculiar odor, which is quite agreeable. The seeds, 

 ground, is the portion used, and they enter largely into nearly all the condi- 

 tion powders which are put up and sold through the country. 



Dose. — One-fourth to one ounce. 



KuT Gall. — A morbid excrescence upon the oak tree, resulting from 

 holes being made in the bark by an insect. 



Uses. — It is a powerful astringent, and is used to bind the bowels when 

 affected with diarrhoea or dysentery; used, also, for applying to the greasy 

 heels of horses. 



Dose. — One to three drachms. 



Gentian. — A valuable tonic. It excites the appetite, invigorates diges- 

 tion, moderately increases the temperatiu-e of the body and the force of the 

 ■circulation, and may be combined with iron for debility; it is used, in 

 connection with other drugs, for various purposes, and forms an important 

 part of various condition powders. 



Dose. — One-half to two drachms, repeated two or three times a day. 



