G56 AGENTS or ANIMAL OKIGIN 



the stomach (where it may act as a' simple bitter), and 

 small intestines, and is carried to the liver. From the liver 

 it is not only excreted again into the bowel but it also stimu- 

 lates the secreting cells of the liver (by means of bile acids) 

 and increases the secretion of bile. Bile is in fact che only 

 certain cholagogue known. 



Bile has but a feeble antiseptic action, yet it excites the 

 secretion of the pancreatic fat-splitting ferment and aids the 

 absorption of fat in the food. In thus aiding digestion it 

 prevents the fetid feces seen in biliary obstruction. Bile, 

 moreover, assists the solubility and action of. certain cathar- 

 tics, viz., podophyllum, rhubarb, scammony, aloes and jalap 

 ■ — and has a laxative action itself, probably through the irrita- 

 tion of bile acids on the large intestines. Bile is indicated 

 medicinally in obstruction to the normal flow of bile — to 

 aid intestinal digestion — and also to facilitate the action of 

 the cathartics noted above. It may be used also to advantage 

 in enema for dogs with chronic constipation and impacted 

 feces (2 drams to 2 ounces of water). Internally it is given 

 to dogs in pills 2 hours after meals. 



Papain. (x^on-ofHcial.) 

 Synonym. — Papayotine, papaya, papayine, papoid. 

 A digestive ferment obtained from the juice af the 

 unripe fruit of Carica papaya (Papaw), an herbaceous tree 

 growing in the East and West Indies. Papain or papayotine 

 are often used to describe the dried juice itself, which exists 

 in the form of a powder similar to that of gum arable. Pa- 

 jiain occurs in the form of a white, or greyish-white, nearly 

 tasteless powder, soluble in glycerin and water. Papain is 

 said to digest both proteins and carbohydrates, in either an 

 acid or alkaline medium, and is recommended in gastric or 

 intestinal indigestion in pill or powder. It has also been 

 i)sed to destroy pyogenic membrane of iistulse and abscess, 

 in 5 per cent, solution ; or tumors and malignant growths, 

 injected into the tissues in 10 per cent, solution. This latter 

 use is accompanied by pain and febrile temperature, although 

 the substance is said to merely dissolve diseased tissues with- 

 out caustic effect. Papain- may be given to dogs, foals, or 

 calves in doses of gr.ii.-x. (.12-.6). Its therapeutic value 

 is doubtful. 



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