476 Veterinary Medicine. 



Abundance of water and especially cool water will stimulate 

 bowels, liver and kidneys, favor the elimination of the bile by 

 contraction of the biliary ducts, and hasten the expulsion of the 

 poisons through the kidneys. Regular exercise an hour after 

 meals stimulates both bowels and liver to action. 



Medicinal treatment is largely directed to antisepsis of the 

 bowels and the arrest of the production of injurious toxins; 

 elimination from the bowels and incidental depletion from the 

 portal vein and liver ; antisepsis and stimulation of the liver ; 

 and stimulation of the urinary secretion. 



The preparations of mercury fill several of these indications. 

 Calomel 2 drs. , or blue mass 1 y^ dr. , is not only a soothing laxative 

 and antiseptic, but seems to operate as a calmative and antiseptic 

 to the liver as well. It may be continued in 5 to 10 grain doses 

 two or three times a day, according to the size of the animal and 

 the condition of the bowels, and associated with y 2 dr. belladonna 

 extract to each dose together with a bitter (quassia, gentian, nux 

 vomica). Or 4 or 5 ozs. sulphate of soda may be given three 

 times a day, with 2 drs. salicylate of soda as an antiseptic. Or, 

 to increase the hepatic action, nitro-muriatic acid largely diluted 

 may be given in sixty drop doses thrice a day in the drinking 

 water. These are especially valuable for their antiseptic action, 

 cutting off at once the source of nervous irritation from the at- 

 tendant indigestions, and duodenal congestion, and arresting the 

 flow of the irritant toxins and other products through the portal 

 system. Podophyllin, castor oil, aloes, rhubarb, often act well 

 by depletion from the portal vein, and expulsion of indigestible 

 and irritant matters from the intestines, but there is more danger 

 of resulting swelling of the duodenal mucosa than with the 

 mercurials or aqua-regia. Goubaux recommends 2^ drs. of 

 tartar emetic. 



Siedamgrotzky has had good results from an electric current 

 sent through the region of the liver, but in the horse this is rarely 

 demanded. 



A course of bitters, with bicarbonate of soda in small doses, 

 may be demanded to reestablish the healthy tone of the stomach 

 and intestines, and a run at pasture, or at least an open air life, 

 exercise, and a laxative diet with abundance of good water 

 should be secured. Any undue costiveness should be counter- 

 acted at once by a saline laxative. 



