I76 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY 



strength is from 39 to 47 per cent by weight, or 46 to 55 per 

 cent by volume. Brandy is the most astringent of all the alco- 

 holic beverages on account of it containing tannic acid, and its 

 continued use will cause constipation. 



Physiological Actions of Alcohol. — It is a cerebral excitant, 

 and finally becomes a depressant and a narcotic poison. 



It is anaesthetic, antiseptic, antiparasitic, rubefacient (if con- 

 fined), mild astringent, coagulates albumen; a local refrigerant 

 by virtue of its rapid evaporation, unless confined by bandage, 

 oiled silk, etc., when it is absorbed by the tissues and causes a 

 sensation of warmth. 



In medicinal doses it is a powerful general stimulant; it is 

 very diffusible, and is partly oxidized by the organism, and partly 

 excreted ; thus alcohol acts as a food. 



Small doses relax the blood vessels, stimulate the gastric 

 glands, promote appetite and digestion ; lessen the elimination 

 of waste products, (urea and carbonic acid) by preventing rapid 

 tissue waste ; causes a feeling of warmth, and temporarily, though 

 slightly, raises the temperature of the body. 



It stimulates the heart and increases the functional activity 

 of all organs, especially the kidneys and skin. 



Large or too long continued doses derange the appetite and 

 digestion, congest or inflame the stomach and liver. Eight 

 ounces of alcohol killed a horse. Alcohol is poisonous and should 

 be used with caution. 



Uses. — Are numerous, used principally as a stimulant, either 

 in one large dose, 2 or 3 ozs. ot alcohol, or better, in small re- 

 peated dose, one ounce every 1 , 2 or 3 hours ; can be combined 

 with other stimulants such as sulphuric ether, aromatic spirits of 

 ammonia, digitalis, etc. 



It is used in anaesthetic mixtures, such as alcohol, ether and 

 chloroform, combined in different proportions ; in snake bites 

 it is given in very large quantities. 



In blood poisoning, alcohol is a most potent drug, sustain- 

 ing the heart, lowering the temperature and acting as a germicide. 



It may be used alone as a stimulant or in the more serious 

 cases the following prescription may be used, modified to suit 

 the individual case and alternated with calcium sulphide q. v. : 



