88 MEDICINES USED FOR THE KORSE. 



Use. In paralysis and also in " glass eye " depending upon a want 

 of nervous energy in the optic nerve of tl\e horse. 



Dose. The tincture is generally used, of which 1 to 3 draclims may be 

 given two or three times a day. 



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

 cellent remedy for any cough, heaves, &c. (See treatment of heaves.) 

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

 parts of castor oil or sweet oil, to promote the growth of the hoof of 

 the horse. This mixture makes an excellent hoof ointment. To dark- 

 en the color, lamp black may be mixed in sufficient 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 Tukpentine. (Commonly called spirits or spirit of turpen- 

 tine.) This is so common and well known that it will not need any de- 

 scription here. 



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

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

 such as colic, for various lung difficulties and for the expulsion of 

 worms. As an external remedy combined with an equal quantity of 

 sweet oil, or in various mixtures, it is used with good results, but should 

 not be applied in fall 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 

 counti-y from Turkey, (which is probably the best) and also from sev- 

 eral 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. 



The dose, is ^ to 1^ drachms. 



Oxide of Zinc. This is an inodorous, tasteless, yellowish white 

 powder, 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 mix- 

 ing 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 mix- 

 ture is an excellent preparation for scratches and grease heels on horses 

 which are kept at work, as it can be easily scraped ofi' at night, so that 



