GASTRIC ANTACIDS 217 



of conditions as gentian for its bitter action and an- infusion is used 

 as an enema to remove oxyures or pin worms. Quassia does not 

 contain tannin and may therefore be prescribed with preparations of 

 iron. The infusion. (3ij — O.j) injected into the previously emptied 

 rectum is one of the best agents to remove the different oxyures. 



Nux Vomica. This is of more use than the other bitters be- 

 cause it has a decided stimulant or tonic action upon peristalsis. 

 It is very useful in chronic indigestion and loss of appetite accom- 

 panied by but little irritation. 



Cinchona and Quinine. These are general tonics as well as 

 bitters. During convalescence the best preparation of cinchona is 

 probably the compound tincture. Indigestion from exhaustion is 

 frequently benefited by a combination of quinine and nux vomica 

 as in the following prescription : 



Tonic for Dogs. 



B QuininsB Sulphatis gr. x 



Ferri Sulphatis Exsiccati gr. xx 



Ext. Nucis Vomicae gr. ij 



M. Fiant Pilulae No. 20. 



Sig. One after each meal. 



The other members mentioned in the group have no decided ad- 

 vantage over those discussed. They are : 



Taraxacum — Dandelion. 



Xanthoxylon — Prickly ash. 



Cascarilla. 



Serpentaria — Virginia snake root. 



Cimicifuga — Black snake root. 



Calamus — Sweet flag. 



Ilumulus — Hops. 



Aurantii Amari Cortex — Bitter orange peel. 



There are also many more which might be included in the list 

 but they are not used to any extent in Veterinary Medicine. 



2. GASTRIC ANTACIDS 



These are drugs used to neutralize the acidity of the contents, 

 of the stomach. Some of theih, like sodium bicarbonate, have an ad- 

 ditional property of neutralizing the urine, while others have no 

 such action. These agents are used 1. To neutralize the organic 

 acids ; lactic, butyric and acetic, caused by the fermentation of food 

 stuff 'and which cause eructations and gastralgia. 2. To_ lessen 

 acidity in hyperchlorhydria (excess of gastric hydrochloric acid) and 

 3. Antidote for acid poisons. 



-It was formerly believed that the administration of alkalies and 

 the alkaline carbonates before meals stimulated the secretion of the 



