MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 87 



Liquorice Root, —This is the root of a small plant, growing four or 

 five feet in height, and which is cultivated in England, the north of France^ 

 and Germany. It has an agreeable, sweetish taste. 



Uses. —It is an excellent demulcent, and well adapted to cases of irrita- 

 tion of the mucous membranes of the lungs, bowels and urinary organs. 

 It forms an important part of condition powders, and especially when 

 given for coughs. 



Dose. — From one-half to one ounce. 



Mercurial Ointment. — This is used mostly for skin diseases, such as 

 mange. But we prefer, for this disease, the treatment which we have 

 already given in another place. Mercurial ointment is sometimes used with 

 good results to rid animals of lice, by boring a small hole where the animal 

 is liable to rub its neck, and filling it with mercurial ointment. 



Nitre. (Saltpetre.) — This medicine has long been used as a febrifuge- 

 and as a diuretic, and is still held in high esteem by many, but there are 

 other drugs which are better adapted to the treatment of the various 

 diseases for which it has long been used. 



Use. — As a febrifuge in fevers and inflammations, and for .kidney com- 

 plaints; it is also used, by many, in condition powders, for scratches and 

 various disorders of the blood. 



Dose. — One and one-half to three drachms. 



Nux Vomica. — This is an active poison in large. doses, but if given ia 

 proper quantities it is an excellent tonic and nervine for the horse when 

 suffering from depression, dyspepsia, etc. 



Use. — In paralysis and also in "glass ej^e" depending upon a want of 

 nervous energy in the optic nerve of the horse. 



Dose. — The tincture is generally used, of which one to three drachms 

 may be given two or three times a day. 



Oil of Tar.— This is procured by the distillation of tar, and is an 

 excellent remedy for any cough, heaves, etc. (See Treatment of Heaves.)' 

 It is also an excellent application externally, when mixed with equal parts- 

 of castor oil or sw^eet oil, to promote the growth of the hoof of the horse. 

 This mixture makes an excellent hoof ointment. To darken the color^ 

 lamp-black may be mixed in suflicient quantity to suit the color of the foot. 



Dose.— Oil of tar may be given internally in doses of from one-half 

 drachm to two drachms. 



Oil of Turpentine, (commonly called Spirits or Spirit of Turpentine.) — 

 This is so common and well knowm that it will not need any description here. 



Uses. — It is stimulant, diuretic, anthelmintic, diaphoretic, and exter- 

 nally rubefacient. It is given largely in several diseases of the horse, such. 

 as colic, for various lung dilRculties, and for the expulsion of worms. A& 

 an external remed}^, combined with an equal quantity of sweet oil, or in 



