154 The Diseases of Animals 
Six drams of sulfate of zine and one ounce of 
acetate of lead, dissolved in a quart of water, is an ex- 
cellent antiseptic and astringent, and is extensively used 
in veterinary practice as “white lotion.” It should be 
well shaken before using. It is poisonous when taken 
internally. An excellent antiseptic ointment for use 
on sores or irritated conditions of the skin is made by 
combining one part of zinc oxid with about five parts 
of fresh lard or vaseline. 
These antiseptics, as already said, possess secondary 
properties, some are astringent and pucker the tissues, 
often stopping hemorrhages or drying up discharges. 
Antiseptics applied in the form of ointments are often 
used on wounds and sores when the part is hard, dry 
and irritated; the fat in contact with the antiseptic 
seems to soften and soothe the part. In the powdered 
form, dusted over the surface of a wound or sore, anti- 
septics are valuable in drying up discharges and keep- 
ing the sores dry and free from odor. 
Antiseptiecs are sometimes mixed with some sticky 
substance, such as pitch or tar, and may be valuable 
in keeping dirt out of a wound; but care must be 
taken that such applications do not prevent the free 
escape of pus. 
Of the powdered antiseptics, iodiform is extensively 
used for dusting on wounds or sores; the objections 
are its odor and expense. Pulverized boric acid and 
common borax are good antiseptics that can be used in 
this way. Boric acid can be used in a solution of twenty 
grains to one ounce of water, and makes an excellent 
wash for the eye, for the mouth or other cavities, as it 
