5 



88 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY 



POTASSA — Caustic Potash. — Synonynij Potassse Hydras. 



Characters. — Hard deliquescent corrosive pencils or rods, 

 very soluble in water and alcohol. 



liquor potassae — Solution of Potassa. — Contains about 5% 

 of the Hydrate. 



Character. — Colorless alkaline fluid with soapy feel and 

 taste. 



Physiological actions of Potassa and liquor potassas. 



Externally. — Irritant and caustic, (abstracts water from the' 

 parts) dissolves fatty matters, antacids, and if well diluted acts 

 as a sedative.. 



Internally. — Not used to any extent, as milder salts are pre- 

 ferred, is antacid, alterative, febrifuge and diuretic. 



Dose of Liquor Potassai. — Horse, 3 ij-§ i; cattle, § ss-g ij ; 

 dogs, m. 5 to 20, well diluted: 



Toxicology. — They corrode and inflame the alimentary tract, 

 Cause colicky pains, great depression and sometimes perforations. 



Post-Mortem. — Will find red and black spots from extrav- 

 asation of blood ; the blood will be dark colored and fluid. 

 Smaller or more dilute doses impair digestion and assimilation, 

 and destroy life by inanition. 2 drs. of Potassa in 6 oz. of water 

 killed a horse in 32 hours. 



Therapy. — Caustic potash is sometimes used to destroy warts 

 and fungous growths. A diluted solution is used to cauterize poi- 

 soned wounds, but is dangerous, as it may penetrate too, deeply 

 and spread. This can be overcome by washing with vinegar. 



A 40 per cent sol. of caustic potash is used in human prac- 

 tice for ingrowing toe nails ; is painted on, leave on a few min- 

 utes until the nail softens, then scrape with glass. It can then be 

 removed with scissors. 



]J Liq. potas., * ss. 



Ac. hydrocyanic, dil. § i. 

 Aquae qs. ad. Oj. 



M. Sig. — Use as a wash (for itching skin disease to allay ir- 

 ritation.) Two to five drops of L,iq. Potash to the ounce is some- 

 times used in diphtheria to dissolve the false membrane. 



POTASSII CARBON AS.— Carbonate of Potash. 

 Synonym. — Salts of Tartar. 



