610 MEDICINES. 



or by tlie presence of mucus in the dung — and, generally, if there 

 be existing any acute affection of the chest or air-passages, purga- 

 tion is easily excited by a moderate dose of aloes. Hence, it should 

 not be used as long as these conditions are present. 



For a hunter or trapper, 4|- or 5 drachms will usually be suffi- 

 cient as a purgative ; though 6 drachms may be given in England 

 to a cart-horse, which in Scotland may safely get an ounce. In 

 India I have usually found 4 to 4J drachms quite enough for an 

 ordinary animal. 



MODES OF ADMINISTRATION.— In most cases the aloes 

 should be given in a ball (p. 640) instead of in a drench ; for in 

 drenching there is danger of a part of the fluid getting spilt. If 

 this occurs, it will generally be difficult to tell how much has 

 escaped. Aloes is nearly, if not quite, as rapidly absorbed in a 

 solid as it is in a fluid state; and, if given in the former condition, 

 no uncertainty can exist as to the quantity swallowed. 



If a physic ball does not act in a day or two, a second bolus 

 should on no account be given for at least a week, lest severe if 

 not fatal superpurgation may ensue. The same rule should be 

 observed if a ball breaks up in the horse's mouth. Remember that 

 the longer aloes takes to act, the greater is the danger of super- 

 purgation (p. 423). 



If possible, aloes should not be given, unless the animal is pro- 

 perly prepared for the physic (see next page). 



Aloes should not be given, as a rule, if the horse is in slings, 

 which might exert injurious pressure on the abdomen. 



Alterative Ball. 



Barbadoes aloes ... ... ... ... 1^ drachm. 



Tartar emetic ... ... ... ... 1 „ 



Nitre ... ... ... 3 drachms. 



Treacle or lard sufficient to form a ball. 



Ordinary Physic Ball. 



Barbadoes aloes ... ... ... ... 5 drachms. 



Ginger ... ... ... ... ... 2 „ 



Treacle or lard sufficient to make a ball. 



The presence of the ginger appears to increase the action of the 

 aloes, and to diminish the chance of griping. 



