VETERINARY MEDICINES 379 



to stop licking disease of cattle and start cud chewing in these 

 animals. 



Enemas are fluid injections into the rectum for the purpose 

 of removing feces and parasites, and of supplying nutrition. 

 Warm soapy water is the best enema for animals. 



Parasiticides are agents applied to the surface of the skin for 

 •the purpose of destroying infesting parasites. Examples are 

 cresol, carbolic acid, coal tar disinfectants. 



Sedatives exert a soothing effect and relieve inflammation by 

 lowering functional activity. They are used as local applications 

 in case of an inflamed udder and similar conditions, and as gen- 

 eral depressants in cases of nervousness. Examples are acetate 

 of lead, potassium bromide, chloral hydrate, morphin. 



Stimulants increase the activity of the central nervous system, 

 thus invigorating the action of the heart and lungs. They are 

 used in the treatment of various diseased conditions in which 

 there is weakness or paralysis. Examples are alcohol, strychnin, 

 camphor, aromatic spirits of ammonia. 



Stomachics increase the appetite, stimulate digestion, check 

 fermentation, and dispel gas from the stomach and bowels. 

 They are used for certain digestive disorders. Examples are 

 hydrochloric acid, bitter herbs, ginger, red pepper. 



Tonics improve the appetite and increase vigor by toning up 

 the system. They are especially useful for animals in poor 

 physical condition due to chronic nutritive disturbances. Exam- 

 ples are arsenic, strychnin, iron. 



Vermifuges kill and expel intestinal worms. They are used 

 in cases where infestation with worms has been demonstrated by 

 finding the parasites in the feces. Examples are iron sulphate, 

 turpentine, tartar emetic. 



THE DOSES OF MEDICINES 



The doses of medicines vary with the kind and age of the 

 animal. A good rule to follow is to give small doses at frequent 

 intervals rather than one large dose or larger doses further apart. 

 As a rule, to which there are some exceptions, the relative doses 

 for the various domestic animals, are as follows: 



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