MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 155 



As a diuretic its action is very complex, one of the active 

 principles, Digitalin, increases the arterial pressure by contracting 

 the blood vessels of the body, while the large renal arteries are 

 dilated by two of its active principles, Digitoxin and Digitalein. 

 The effect of this combined action is to greatly raise the arterial 

 tension and blood pressure in the glomeruli, their efferent vessels 

 being contracted, while the rapidity of the renal circulation is in- 

 creased and its volume augmented, by the greater force of the 

 heart-beat and the dilatation of the afferent vessels. On this 

 account Digitalis is an ideal diuretic. 



Digitalis is said to have a cumulative action, which is af- 

 firmed by some authors and denied by others, I have not seen 

 any ill effects in horses from its continued use, especially when 

 not more than 3 or 4 doses are given during 24 hours. 



Uses. — It is used as a cardiac stimulant in full doses, fol- 

 lowed by small ones ; used in heart failure and cardiac debility 

 from any cause, irregularity of heart due to debility ; us-td in 

 dropsical conditions, combined with acetate of pot. or nitrate of 

 pot. ; it is useful in congestion of organs, useful in first stages 

 of pneumonia and scarlatina ; as a diuretic, can be used externally, 

 in azoturia, rub about 2 ozs. of the tr. of digitalis over the region 

 of the kidneys, this can be used 2 or 3 times daily ; where in- 

 ternal remedies fail to increase the action of kidneys, this is very 

 effectual. Useful in palpitation of the heart due to over exer- 

 tion. ? 



STROPHANTHUS. / U ^ 



Kombe Arrow Poison. — Seeds of strophanthus hispidus, a 

 habitat of Africa. 



tinctura strophanthi — Tincture of Strophanthus.. — Only / 6 



preparation. (Strength /$ /%■) 



Dose. — Horse, 1 to 3 drs. ; cattle, 2 to 4 drs. ; dogs, 1 to 10 

 tns. ; give large dose first, then follow with smaller ones as a stim- 

 ulant. As a heart tonic give small doses. 



Medicinal Uses. — It is prescribed to slow, strengthen and 

 steady feeble or faulty heart action ; it acts on the heart l ; ke digi- 

 talis, but on the arteries but slightly ; has diuretic effect both by 

 augmenting the force of the circulation and by stimulating 

 the secretory cells of the renal tubules. Is used in valvular 



