THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 50f 



XV. Relaxants. 

 These deprive the muscles of their power. Of this class lobelia should 

 be given in doses of 1 to 2 drachms. 



XVI. Stimulants. 



These are, alcohol, and are given in the form of brandy, whisky, rum, 

 gin and ale. The latter when an animal is exhausted by hard drivin<y. 

 The dose of brandy, whisky or gin is 3 to 6 ounces, and of alcohol 1 to 

 3 ounces diluted with water. Other stimulants are : ether, dose, 1 to 2 

 ounces ; carbonate of ammonia, dose, 2 to 4 drachms ; turpentine, dose, 

 1 to 2 ounces ; and ginger, dose, 1 ounce. The ginger to be given as 

 a tea. 



Stimulants are used when it is necessary to quickly raise the animal 

 from exhaustion. In nervous exhaustion its effects are marked, but it 

 must not be given in inflammation or fever. 



XVn. Tonics. 

 Tonics sharpen the appetite, increase the nervous vigor, and thus im- 

 prove the condition of the patient. Many horsemen are fond of giving 

 condition powders, the main value of which lies in the alteratives and 

 tonics contained. In this they suppose that they are beneficial to already 

 healthy animals. Nothing could be farther from the truth. They are 

 not beneficial unless the animal is out of condition and the system needs 

 rallying. To get the best effect from tonics, they should be given in 

 light doses, and continued for a considerable time. Then intermit for a 

 few days, and if necessary, commence again, or substitute another tonic. 

 The mineral tonics, sulphate of iron, sulphate of copper and arsenic are 

 more active than the vegetable tonics, Peruvian bark, gentian, quassia, 

 «tc., though often the two forms combined act with greater efficacy. 



XVin. Vermifuges. 



These are medicines supposed to be useful in expelling worms. 



For round worms, common salt, to be licked at will, is one of the 

 best agents to expel them. Oil of turpentine 1 ounce. Tartar emetic 2 

 drachms and sulphate of iron 2 drachms ; give five or six days in succes- 

 sion, and follow by a purge. Four to 6 drachms of aloes is one of the 

 best direct vermifuges. 



Tapeworm. — Oil of turpentine 1 ounce doses ; or root of male shield 

 fern, 1 ounce of the extract. Give all vermifuges fasting, and at the end 

 of four hours give a purge of aloes. For weak animals give areka nut 

 1 ounce. 



In using a vermifuge it is always better to clear the bowels before 

 ^ving it, and in case the worms are in the intestines give injections as well 



