384 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 



passage of the bowels. This is the best saline cathartic for 

 veterinary use. The dose is J^ to 1 pound dissolved in water 

 and given as a drench. 



Tincture of iodin is an alcoholic solution of iodin crystals. 

 Iodin is an antiseptic and disinfectant. It has a penetrating 

 action and is absorbed through the unbroken skin. It is valuable 

 for use in connection with swellings about joints, about wounds, 

 in strains and bruises. As a skin and wound disinfectant it far 

 surpasses any other preparation. For ringworm and similar 

 skin troubles it is highly recommended. Recently a preparation 

 of iodin known as iodin petrox has been recognized officially. 

 It can be used in place of tincture of iodin and has the advantage 

 of being more readily absorbed by the skin, cheaper, and of not 

 staining the hands. 



Vaselin is a petroleum derivative. It acts as a soothing agent 

 and tissue softener. It is used as a base for ointments. 



The few medicines that have been described comprise but a 

 small number of the 600 or more contained in the U. S. pharmaco- 

 poeia. They have been mentioned to give an idea of the actions, 

 uses, and doses of those in common use. There is a tendency at 

 present toward using fewer drugs. This has come about with the 

 better understanding of the actions of drugs and the nature of 

 diseases. In time it is likely that not more than 60 of the 600 

 will be employed at all extensively. 



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