FEEPABATION TOE PHYSIC. 77 



gatives ; and instances also occur of horses of a very robust 

 constitution being exceedingly sensitive to their use. The only 

 means, however, by which this fact is to be ascertained (as to 

 the sensitiveness of a particular horse to the drug,) are by its 

 administration. The ordinary quantity for a dose, is from four 

 to six drachms, mixed with a little powdered gentian and palm 

 oil, and given as a ball. The latter ingredient being merely used 

 to make up an adherent mass convenient for ready use. 



Sometimes the aloes faU. to produce purgation. A full 

 stomach is a preventative to this, also the non-preparation of 

 the bowels with mashes ; hence the reason why mashes of bran 

 should be allowed to prepare the stomach and bowels for the 

 drug, and why the animal should fast for some 'hours prior to 

 the ball being given. "When the drug fails to purge, it may 

 excite the kidneys, and its effects pass off by causing greater 

 abundance of urine ; when this occurs, it is not wise to repeat 

 the baU ia less than a week from its first admiuistration. 



The usual practice with purgative medicine, is to give it in 

 a morning. With this, as a general rule, I do not concur, for 

 the following reasons. It is seldom or ever a purgative will act 

 under twelve or fifteen hours after its administration ; and in 

 many cases it is apt to occasion violent disturbance to the 

 bowels, which should be counteracted as soon as possible. It 

 sometimes produces colic of a severe character; so that when the 

 ball is given in a morning, the disease alluded to may supervene 

 during the night, and in aU probability at a time when the 

 attendants are not at hand to afford the animal relief; but if 

 the ball be given at night, and any disturbance of the kind 

 named should arise the day following, it is more likely to be 

 speedily discovered, and relief promptly afforded. As a general 

 rule then, I should advise when a physic tall is given, to 

 give it at night. 



