§8 MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE. 



various mixtures, it is used with good results, but should not be applied in 

 full strength to the horse. 



Dose.— The dose of spirits of turpentine is from one to two ounces, and 

 should always be mixed with twice its bulk of sweet oil. 



Opium.— This is the dried juice of the poppy, and is brought to this 

 country from Turkey (which is probably the best), and also from several 

 other countries. It is certainly one of the most valuable drugs in use, but 

 should not be used indiscriminately. It relieves pain, and is used with great 

 success for colic and various other diseases. 



j)ose.— One-halt to one and a half drachms. 



Oxide of Zinc— This is an inodorous, tasteless, yellowish-white pow- 

 der, and insoluble in water and in alcohol. 



Uses.— Given internally, it is tonic and antispasmodic. Its principal use 

 is external, applied to excoriated surfaces, by sprinkling the powder on the 

 affected part, or, in the form of an ointment, by mixing one drachm oxide 

 of zinc and one ounce of lard. It is used with good results for scratches, 

 grease heels, and other sores which have a discharge of a thin fluid. 

 Another good ointment may be made by adding oxide of zinc to a mixture 

 of shaved castile soap, moistened with a little water and all thoroughly 

 mixed together. The last mixture is an excellent preparation for scratches 

 and grease heels on horses which are kept at work, as it can be easily 

 scraped off at night, so that the surface may be cleansed before another 

 application is made for the night. It allays irritation and is quite soothing 

 to the parts. 

 . Dose.— InternoWj, it is given in doses of from one-half to one drachm. 



Red Iodide of Mercury, (called, also, Biniodide of Mercury). —This 

 is a powerful irritant poison, when taken internally, and is now used only 

 as an external remedy. It is a scarlet-red powder, which, like other prepar- 

 .ations of mercury, is very heavy for its bulk ; not soluble in water, and only 

 slightly so in alcohol. It is held in great repute by veterinary surgeons for 

 swellings of the glands of the neck, tumors and unnatural growths of all 

 kinds. It is used principally with Cantharides, mixed with lard, which forms 

 an excellent blister for various purposes. It is not generally used where it 

 is desired to blister a large surface, as it produces considerable pain. 



Rosin, or Resin.— This is the residue left from the distillation of turpen- 

 tine, and is used by horsemen quite freely, and oftentimes is the cause of 

 much mischief, as it is used, to a considerable extent, to cause the horse to 

 urinate more freely, and the overdoses, so frequently given, are often the 

 cause of various diseases of the kidneys and loins. The of tener rosin is given 

 the horse, the more he stands in need of it, in the eyes of the driver. The 

 kidneys become overworked, he desires to urinate more frequently, and less 

 urine is voided at each time. The mischief is not seen, and the owner 



