ACTINOMYCOSIS. 121 



and that seemed to be quite a serious one, was that so much time 

 was required for complete removal. It should not be forgotten 

 that, while the slough is separating, the wound may become in- 

 fected with maggots. 



Internal medication. — This treatment is by the internal use 

 of iodide of potash, which is given by the mouth either as a drench 

 or dissolved in the drinking water. Very many cases may be 

 treated with a good prospect of success in this way. 



The dose limit is about one-fourth dram per one hundred 

 pounds live weight. Each dose is dissolved in from one-half to 

 a pint of water and given as a drench or dissolved in the drink- 

 ing water. This dose is given once daily until the animal seems 

 to get off feed and discharges freely from the eyes and nose, in- 

 dicating something of a catarrhal disturbance of these mucous 

 membranes. These conditions indicate that the treatment should 

 be discontinued for three or four days. During this period a 

 mild cathartic of epsom salts should be given, about one pound 

 to iooo pounds live weight. This should be dissolved in water 

 and given as a drench. The iodide treatment may then be con- 

 tinued for another period of six to ten days when it may be nec- 

 essary to discontinue again and give another dose of epsom salts. 

 Treatment should be continued until the tumor is reduced to 

 about one-third of its original size ; it may then be discontinued. 



The time required for successful treatment in suitable cases 

 varies from four to seven weeks. It is not advisible to under- 

 take the treatment of any case where there is very great bony 

 enlargement, or where there is reason to suppose that there is a 

 verv serious disease of the bony structure. 



Vet. Studies— 8. 



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