18 THE DISEASES 01 THE DOG. 



tasting substances, such as the syrups, must be added to 

 the list of excipients ; expectorants and vermifuges are of 

 much importance. Again the question of closes is one 

 which requires careful study and is not to be based on 

 any consideration of the relative sizes of the horse and dog. 

 There are certain special features about the action of some 

 drugs which we shall require to remember. 



Cathartics. — It is really extraordinary the differences 

 of opinion of various authors about the action of remedies 

 on the dog. The explanation lies in the very great 

 differences in size and habits of the different varieties, so 

 that the town and country canine practitioners arrive at 

 very conflicting conclusions. Thus Prof. Dick prefers 

 jalap one drachm, or an ounce of syrup of buckthorn, to 

 aloes, which he considers uncertain, whereas Blaine and 

 Youatt consider aloes in doses from a quarter to one drachm 

 " the best and safest aperient for the dog." Mayhew says 

 aloes is not a purgative to the dog. We may accept 

 the following conclusions concerning cathartics as fairly 

 correct : — 



Aloes may be given in very large doses and is uncertain 

 in its action on the dog. It is not a good cathartic for 

 this animal, nor to be relied upon in the treatment of 

 disease. Jalap, in doses of one drachm, is a useful pur- 

 gative ; sometimes it is combined with scammony. Calomel 

 is too violent in its action to be used safely in most cases ; 

 in doses of one to two grains it effectually opens the bowels. 

 Croton oil, one to three drops, acts similarly, but is irritant. 

 Epsom salts (3J to ^ij) is frequently very drastic. Syrup of 

 buckthorn, rhubarb, colocynth, and senna are apt to prove 

 uncertain in their action and cannot be relied upon except 

 as adjuncts. Universal experience seems to have deter- 

 mined that castor-oil is the best cathartic for the dog in 

 doses of about half an ounce ; and the most convenient 

 routine cathartic is that known as the " Castor-oil mixture," 

 composed as follows : — 01. Eicini, 3 pts. ; Syr. Eham. Cath., 

 2 pts. j Syr. Papav. Bhe., 1 part." Dose, a dessert to a 



* Most dogs will lap up castor-oil given in milk. 



