VETERINARY MEDICINES 383 



Pine tar is obtained by the destructive distillation of pine 

 wood. It is a thick, almost black, sticky fluid and contains oil 

 of tar, creosote, carbolic acid, xylol, acetic acid, methyl alcohol, 

 and several other substances. It is used chiefly as an application 

 to the skin and hoofs. Many hoof ointments to stimulate growth 

 of horn contain tar. Oakum soaked in tar is commonly used 

 to pack between the hoof and a pad to cure thrush and canker 

 and keep the horn better nurtured. It is used after dehorning 

 for its antiseptic qualities and to protect against flies. 



Potassium iodid occurs as crystals which are exceedingly 

 soluble in both water and alcohol. The chief internal action is 

 that of an alterative. For lump jaw of cattle it appears to be a 

 specific. All glandular swellings are more readily absorbed if 

 potassium iodid is given with other treatment. The dose is 1 

 to 4 drams. 



Potassium nitrate, commonly called saltpeter, occurs as col- 

 orless crystals or a crystalline powder and is permanent in the 

 air. It is soluble in 3.8 parts of water. Its action is that of a 

 diuretic and heart sedative. It is used in laminitis, fever, and 

 for many other diseases. The dose is ^ to 1 ounce. 



Potassium permanganate occurs as dark purple crystals, per- 

 manent in dry air and soluble in 16 parts of water. It is a 

 valuable antiseptic and deodorizer, the action being due to 

 liberation of oxygen, and is employed in from 1 to 4 per cent, 

 solutions. As an antidote for vegetable poisons it has no equal. 

 Potassium permanganate stains the hands so is disagreeable to 

 use. Stains may be removed by washing in a saturated solution 

 of oxalic acid or dilute hydrochloric acid. 



Salol is a white powder almost insoluble in water. It acts 

 as an intestinal antiseptic and is used for diarrhea. The dose 

 is 2 to 4 drams. 



Sodium bicarbonate is a white odorless powder readily soluble 

 in 12 parts of water. Its action internally is to reduce acidity. 

 It is used in digestive disturbances to correct acidity. For 

 azoturia it is recommended in large doses. One ounce can be 

 given as a dose. 



Sodium sulphate occurs as crystals but can be bought dried 



(anhydrous) with the water of crystallization removed. It is 



commonly known as Glauber salts. It acts as a cathartic by 



producing an outpouring of fluid and bringing about a quick 



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