A FEW OF THE 



MEDICINES USED FOR THE HORSE 



We once heard it remarked by an eminent professor of Ma- 

 'teria M(!dica that if he was compelled to combat with disease 

 Avitli either Opium alone, or all of the remaining drugs in use 

 without the opium, he would choose the opium alone. 



Another professor has said "give me mercury, iodine, quinine and the 

 lancet, and I will combat with disease." While I do not altogether en- 

 dorse the views of either of these distinguished professors, either in 

 the number or selection of medicines they would choose first in prefer- 

 ence to all others, I would say, give me as my first choice, aconite and 

 iron in connection with the opium and a few others and I should feel 

 that I was fitted out with the most important drugs, for the successful 

 treatment of the diseases of the horse. 



We will give something of a history of the more important drugs 

 used for the treatment of the diseases of the horse, with their effects 

 and uses. 



Acids. These nearly all have a sour taste, and are derived from the 

 vegetable, mineral and animal kingdoms. The number of acids used 

 in medicines is small ; among the most important of these are acetic 

 acid, muriatic acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid, tannic acid, gallic acid, 

 carbolic acid, arsenious acid, phosphoric acid, and tartaric acid. 



Acetic Acid. When diluted with seven parts of water it is about 

 the strength of ordinary vinegar. It is produced from the purification 

 of pyroligneous acid. 



Use. It is used by some, with good results, for sprains, and bruises 

 and for the destruction of the poison of insects, by adding to six ounces 

 of the acid k ounce tincture of opium and two ounces of camphor. 



Muriatic Acid. This acid is obtained by the action of sulphuric 

 acid on common salt. When pure it is a transparent, colorless liquid ; 

 but the commercial acid has a yellowish color. 



Muriatic acid is a good tonic in debilitating diseases of the horse and 

 is refrigerant and antiseptic. 



Dose. Half to one fluid drachm may be given, largely diluted with 

 cold water, and repeated two to four times a day. 



Externally, it may be used for sores in the feet, by pouring a few drops 

 into the sores or nail holes. Eight or ten drops may be advantageously 



