90 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY 



changed into the carbonate of potash and as such circulate in the 

 blood. Are powerful direct diuretics, stimulate the renal cells 

 direct and increase both the water and the solids of the urine, 

 also diaphoretic; the citrate more than the acetate. They have 

 slight depressing action on the heart ; and are slightly expectorant. 



Therapy. — Used in gouty conditions, Bright's disease, fevers 

 of all kinds, azoturia (when put in water is not so irritating 

 as the nitrate), dropsical conditions, pleurisy, ascites, cedema of 

 the legs, etc. Combined with tonics, iron, etc. 



For cedema of the legs and other dropsical conditions: 



5 Potas. acet, 3 vj. 



Tr. digitalis, J vj. 



Aq. qs. ad., •§ xxiv. 



M. Sig. — Two oz. every 4 hours or 3 times daily. 



POTASSII BITARTRAS— -Potassium Bitartrate.. Syno- 

 nyms. — Acid Tartrate of Potassium— Cream of Tartar. — Soluble 

 1 in 15 of boiling water. Dose — dogs, 10 grs. to 2 drs. as a laxa- 

 tive, refrigerant and diuretic; for purgative from 1 dr. to 1 oz. 

 For simple itching skin disease, for dogs equal parts of cream of 

 tartar and sulphur. 



Physiological Action. — Hydragogue, saline purgative, ab- 

 stracts fluid from the blood and pours it into the intestines. Small 

 doses are diuretic and laxative. 



Therapy. — Is used for liver disease, chronic constipation, 

 skin disease, and as a refrigerant in febrile conditions. 



POTASSII NITR AS— Nitrate of Potash. 



Synonyms — Nitre — Saltpeter. — The purified saltpeter is used 

 in veterinary practice. 



Characters — White, six-sided rhombic prisms, cool saline 

 taste. Soluble 1 in 4 of water, neutral reaction. Very sparingly 

 in alcohol. 



Physiological Actions. — Large doses irritate the stomach, 

 bowels and kidneys ; medicinal doses are alterative, febrifuge, 

 diuretic and feebly laxative. Excreted by the bronchial glands, 

 skin and kidneys, increasing secretions of these organs; is a car- 

 diac depressant, and mild refrigerant and diaphoretic. 



Uses. — In certain febrile conditions ; in cedema of legs should 

 be combined with digitalis and general tonics. For dropsical con- 

 ditions the acetate and citrate are better. 



