HYDRASTIS 133 



Therapeutics. 



1. Stimulant to digestive apparatus and general tonic. The 

 tonic effect of the drug may be explained in two ways, A. By in- 

 creasing the muscular tone, which in turn produces a more healthy 

 feeling in the animal. B. Its effect upon the digestive tract im- 

 proves digestion and increases the appetite. It is especially 

 valuable to stimulate the digestion, increase the appetite and stimu- 

 late peristalsis in acute diseases. Combined with iron and arsenic 

 it is one of the most satisfactory tonics for veterinary patients, par- 

 ticularly when the digestive system is deranged. It is especially 

 valuable in atonic forms of indigestion and constipation associated 

 Avith anemia. It is also valuable in overloaded rumen of cattle, and 

 impacted large intestines of horses. The best results in these cases 

 are probably obtained by its hypodermic use along with a rapid pur- 

 gative. Constipation and diarrhea are benefited when either is due 

 to atony of the bowels. 



2. As an excitomotor, it is the best agent for paralysis due to 

 depression or exhaustion of the nervous mechanism but is absolutely 

 valueless in cases due to organic lesions, or in other words in cases 

 where there is a complete destruction of the nerve elements. That is, 

 it is especially useful in functional disorders or lowered activity of 

 the cord which follow as sequellas of other diseases, such as influenza 

 of horses or distemper of dogs. In mild cases of chorea in dogs it 

 may be combined with Fowler's Solution of Arsenic. Strychnine is 

 also useful in paralysis following lead poisoning, or toxemia, or in 

 cases of paralysis of peripheral nerves (facial, superscapular) from 

 traumatism, but should not be used until inflammation has subsided. 



3. Respiratory Stimulant. Since strychnine is a circulatory as 

 well as repiratory stimulant it is indicated in diseases of the respira- 

 tory tract associated with weak pulse and feeble respiration, such 

 as pneumonia, emphysema, and some cases of chronic bronchitis. It 

 is also useful in cases of poisoning by depressant drugs such as 

 opiiun, chloroform, etc. In these cases it should be given subcutau- 

 eously in full doses. 



4. Circulatory Stimulant. It is inferior to digitalis in simple 

 dilatation of the heart with or without valvular disease but may be 

 useful combined vdth it. It is of much value in pneumonia as an 

 adjuvant to digitalis and alcohol. It is useful in surgical shock and 

 is superior in the weak heart of the aged. 



HYDRASTIS 



Synonym. Golden Seal 



Parts Used. The dried roots and rhizomes of Hydrastis Cana- 

 denis, yielding when assayed not less than 2.5 per cent, of Hydras- 

 tine. 



