60 SYNOPSIS OE VETERINARY 



It may be fed to horses mixed with bran mash, also to foals 

 and calves in proportion to their age. 



PHOSPHORUS. 



A translucent nearly colorless solid, resembling wax, with- 

 out taste but having a peculiar smell. It should be kept under 

 water in a cool place and protected from the light, for when 

 brought into the air it bursts into a flame. It is insoluble in 

 water, but very soluble in olive-oil and ether, also soluble in most 

 all the oils. 



Dose. — Horse, J^ to 2 or even 4 grs. ; cattle, 1 to 5 grs. ; 

 sheep and pigs, about 1-100 gr. to 1-50 gr. ; dogs, 1-200 of a gr. 

 to 1-100 gr. The preparations of Phosphorus are more conven- 

 ient for internal use. (q. v.) 



Always start with the smallest dose and gradually and cau- 

 tiously increase the size. Give it in some protective vehicle, as an 

 electuary or dissolved in oil, vaseline or glycerin. 



Synergist. — Oils and fats favor its absorption and should 

 never, therefore be employed in case of poisoning with phos- 

 phorus. Arsenic is a synergist and sulphur also. 



Antagonists and Antidotes. — In case of poisoning, empty 

 the stomach with emetic or pump, and administer mucilaginous 

 fluids hut no oils, use milk, eggs, slippery elm tea, and old oil of 

 turpentine, but the best is sulphate of copper, which acts as an 

 emetic, and forms insoluble phosphide of copper. Give lime- 

 water and charcoal to protect the tissues. 



Physiological Action. — It is an alterative in bone diseases as 

 it promotes the growth of bone. Antirachitic, aphrodisiac, a 

 brain and nerve tonic, irritant, promotes tissue growth, replaces 

 spongy texture of bone with denser or more compact tissue, and 

 stimulates the central nervous system. 



Uses. — It is indicated in osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, 

 chronic nervous exhaustion, chorea, pernicious anaemia, sexual 

 weakness, and locomotor ataxia. It is a most potent drug in 

 threatened softening of the brain. It is sometimes used instead 

 of arsenic in chronic skin disease, but arsenic is the best. It is 

 sometimes used in paralysis as a local irritant ; but I do not rec- 

 ommend it for this. Phosphorus 1 part, olive oil 100 parts, as 

 an irritant. It is recommended in osteoporosis. 



