Common Medicines and Their Actions
The common medicines used in treating farm animals are named in the
following list, together with origin, action, use, and dose.
ACONITE
Tincture of aconite is derived from the root of a plant. When used, the
heart beats more slowly and the blood pressure is decreased, making the
medicine desirable in cases of inflammation.
Dose: For horses and cattle, from 10 to 30 drops, and sheep and hogs 5
to 10 drops.
ALOES
This is usually bought in a powder form. It is brown in color and bitter
in taste. Considerable time transpires before action in the bowels takes
place. Allow at least 24 hours. It is a physic and blood purifier.
Dose: For horses, 4 to 5 tablespoonfuls; cattle, 4 to 8 tablespoonfuls;
sheep, 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls; and pigs, 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls.
ALUM
This mineral salt is used in washes for sore mouth and throat, and
cleansing wounds. It may be dusted into wounds in powder form, and is
both drying and healing.
Dose: Use a tablespoonful to a pint of water.
ANISEED
This preparation is made from dried berries and ground. It stimulates
digestion, sweetens the stomach, and serves as a tonic and appetite
maker.
Dose: For horses and cattle, a tablespoonful, and for sheep and pigs, a
teaspoonful.
ARNICA
For wounds, sprains, and bruises, tincture of arnica is both cooling and
restful. It is made from the dried flowers of a plant, and is for
external use. Apply three or four times daily.
ARSENIC
This medicine comes from the mineral kingdom and is very powerful. In
using better get it in some standard medicinal form such as Fowler’s
Solution. It is used as a tonic when the stomach is bad and the system
run down.
Dose: Fowler’s Solution; for horses and cattle, 2 tablespoonfuls; sheep,
1 teaspoonful; pigs, one-half teaspoonful. In giving to stock mix with 4
tablespoonfuls of whiskey, and either use as a drench or add to mash or
gruel.
BELLADONNA
This is a tincture made from a plant. When used it soothes, softens, and
relaxes the parts to which applied. It checks inflammation and relieves
pain, but must be carefully used.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 teaspoonful; sheep, 10 drops; pigs, 5
drops.
BUTTER OF ANTIMONY
This preparation, taken from a mineral, is not used internally. It is a
powerful caustic. Its principal use is for curing thrush in horses’
feet.
[Illustration: TETANUS BACILLI
How the germs look under the microscope. The poison produced by them is
one of the most violent known in disease.]
BROMIDE OF POTASSIUM
This comes as a white crystal or powder, and is used to quiet the nerves
when some trouble like lockjaw has set in.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 teaspoonful; sheep and hogs, one-half
teaspoonful.
BINIODIDE OF MERCURY
This bright red powder is used chiefly for blistering purposes. It is
excellent when a spavin or splint or ringbone is just beginning. In
preparing, use one part of the mercury to nine parts of vaseline or
lard. Remember, it is a poison, and must be carefully handled, as is
true of some other preparations of mercury.
CAMPHOR
The camphor of commerce is in the form of a gum obtained from a tree by
boiling and evaporation. It is used in mixtures for coughs, sore throat,
and heaves. It is good also for colic and diarrhœa and assists in
lessening pain. It should be given in water.
Dose: For horses, 2 to 4 teaspoonfuls; cattle, 4 to 5 teaspoonfuls; pigs
and sheep, 2 teaspoonfuls.
CANTHARIDES OR SPANISH FLY
This is in the form of powder, and is an irritant. For use it should be
thoroughly mixed with lard or vaseline. One teaspoonful of the
cantharides to 4 tablespoonfuls of lard or vaseline. When so prepared it
is excellent as a blister. It can be applied for sweat thickenings or
lumps on any part of the body that is not on the bone. It should not be
used on curbs or tumors and is not used internally.
CARBOLIC ACID
This is got from coal tar and petroleum. When full strength and pure it
is in the form of crystals, but is generally bought as a liquid. It is a
disinfectant and an antiseptic, and while used internally for some
purposes, is largely used internally in washes and solutions. Its
principal use is in bathing wounds and sores. Care should be taken not
to have a wash contain too much of the acid, as it will burn the wound
and stop the healing action. It is a corroding poison taken internally.
It should be just strong enough to kill bacteria; say, 1 part to 1,000
parts of water. A very good healing salve is made when 5 drops of pure
carbolic acid is used to 4 tablespoonfuls of vaseline.
CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE
This is used externally as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Dissolve 1
part to 100 parts of water. It is a preparation of mercury, is
poisonous, but excellent for bathing wounds and open sores.
CASTOR OIL
This oil is pressed from castor beans. It is a mild physic similar to
raw linseed oil. It is not used much for live stock.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 pint; for sheep, one-quarter pint, and
for pigs, 4 tablespoonfuls.
CALOMEL
This is a heavy white powder and a mineral. Its principal action is as a
physic, and it has a cleansing effect on the liver. Hence it is used for
all kinds of liver troubles. When dusted in old sores, it is splendid
for healing and drying up.
Dose: For horses, one-half to 1 teaspoonful; cattle, 1 to 2
teaspoonfuls; sheep and pigs, one-eighth teaspoonful.
CROTON OIL
This oil is made from seeds, and is one of the most powerful physics
known. It should never be used until milder physics do not respond. Use
it as a last resort.
Dose: For horses, 15 to 20 drops; cattle, 30 to 40 drops; sheep, 5 to 10
drops; and pigs, 2 to 3 drops. In giving, it is best to use in
connection with raw linseed oil; of the linseed oil use 1 pint for
horses and cattle and one-quarter pint for sheep and pigs.
CAUSTIC POTASH
This chemical is most easily used when purchased in pencil-like sticks.
It is never given internally, but is used to burn warts and growths by
wetting the stick and rubbing it over them. It is also used for burning
poisonous wounds to kill the poison. It is commonly employed for
dishorning calves. When a week or ten days old, and the button of the
horn is just appearing, rub the potash over the horn. This usually
insures destruction of the horn substance. Wet the stick of potash. See
that drippings do not run down the animal’s head. In order to protect
the fingers, when using, wrap paper around the stick.
CREOLIN
This is the product of coal tar and comes in the form of a thick, dark
fluid, and, like tar, is harmless. It is frequently used as the basis of
salves for wounds, scratches, and like troubles. It is a very effective
remedy for killing lice, ticks, or fleas, and is used as a remedy when
sheep are afflicted with mange and scab.
Dose: Use from 2 to 4 tablespoonfuls to a pint of water and shake well
before using. Make up a small quantity at a time, as creolin thus made
loses its value after exposure. For disinfecting purposes, 1 part of
creolin to 100 parts of water is satisfactory.
GENTIAN
This is the root of a plant, dried and ground. It is used principally as
a tonic, and is very bitter; commonly found in condition powders and is
given to animals that are weak and run down. If used alone, give twice a
day in the food and place on the tongue with a spoon.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 tablespoonful; for sheep, a teaspoonful;
pigs, one-half teaspoonful.
GINGER
This is a dried root ground fine, secured from a plant, and acts as a
stimulant, relieving gases that accumulate in the stomach. It is an
excellent ingredient to use in colic and indigestion preparations. If
given alone, doses may be repeated every two or three hours.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 tablespoonful; sheep, 1 small
teaspoonful; pigs, one-half teaspoonful.
HYPOSULPHITE OF SODA
This salt is frequently used in combination with gentian, equal parts of
both, and in other recipes for condition powder. It cleans the blood and
builds up the system after weakening diseases. A common preparation is
made by using one-half of powdered gentian and one-half of hyposulphite
of soda. Mix all together and give two or three times a day to the
animal needing it.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 tablespoonful; sheep, 1 teaspoonful;
pigs, one-half teaspoonful.
IODINE
This dark brown tincture is not often used internally, but is used as a
sweat blister and for blistering thickened glands. In using, take a
feather, painting the iodine on the lump until it blisters; when the
blister appears, grease the part; after two or three days have passed,
wash the lump with warm water and soap and blister again.
IODIDE OF POTASSIUM
This white powder is obtained from the mineral kingdom. When given
internally it acts as an absorbent. It is commonly used in cases of
dropsy of the belly. In administering, use equal parts of ground gentian
root and give twice a day.
Dose: For horses and cattle a teaspoonful; for sheep and pigs, one-half
teaspoonful.
LINSEED OIL
This oil is obtained from flaxseed, and is excellent when a mild physic
is desired. The easiest and most effective way of giving to animals is
in the form of a drench. About 1 pint should be used for horses and
cattle. Raw linseed oil is usually preferred to the boiled.
LAUDANUM
This is made from opium and is used both internally and externally. It
is commonly used where there is pain, hence it is excellent for
relieving pain and spasms and assists also in checking inflammation.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 4 to 6 teaspoonfuls; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4
teaspoonfuls.
NUX VOMICA
This powder comes from ground seeds, and is used as a nerve stimulant.
It is very efficacious for strengthening weak, debilitated animals. A
common way is to mix equal parts of gentian and powdered nux vomica
thoroughly together. This may be given as a drench, or in the feed or
placed at the back of the tongue with a spoon.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 teaspoonful three times a day; for sheep
and pigs, one-half teaspoonful.
NITRATE OF SILVER
This comes in the form of white penciled sticks. It is excellent for
burning off warts, proud flesh in cuts and growths on any part of the
body. Just wet the stick and rub it on the parts. Of course, be careful
that your fingers are protected from the chemical. It is a poison taken
internally.
NITRATE OF POTASH
This is frequently called saltpeter, and comes as a white crystal or
powder. It is used for kidney, lung and blood troubles. It has a very
acute action on the kidneys, causing them to secrete an extra amount of
urine.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 teaspoonful; sheep and pigs, one-half
teaspoonful.
SULPHATE OF COPPER
This is commonly known as blue vitriol or bluestone. It is excellent
when given internally for checking discharges, especially those of a
chronic catarrhal nature. It may also be used as a wash for wounds, when
a weak solution is made, and may be dusted on the wound every day or two
in case proud flesh forms.
SULPHATE OF IRON
Green vitriol, or copperas, as it is commonly known, is a splendid
mineral tonic, and is commonly used in combination with gentian, equal
parts of the two. Use when the system is badly run down. It is also
excellent as a worm powder.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 teaspoonful three times a day; sheep and
pigs, one-half teaspoonful.
SUGAR OF LEAD
This is frequently called acetate of lead. It is seldom used internally,
but quite generally externally for healing washes, particularly for the
eye.
SWEET SPIRITS OF NITER
This sweet-tasting and smelling preparation is obtained from alcohol,
and is in the form of a clear liquid. It acts upon the kidneys and skin
and is commonly given in the drinking water of animals. It is used in
combination with other medicines for colic and indigestion. It thus acts
upon the bowels and stomach and relieves pain and dissipates the gases.
In giving to animals mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a
drench.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 2 to 4 tablespoonfuls; for sheep and pigs,
1 to 2 teaspoonfuls.
SPIRITS OF TURPENTINE
This is the ordinary turpentine known by all. It is excellent in cases
of acute indigestion and colic, and is destructive to bots and the long
round worms in horses. When used externally it is as a liniment. When
used internally a small quantity is given with raw linseed oil.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 4 tablespoonfuls; for sheep and pigs, 1
tablespoonful.
SALTS
The two common salts used for live stock are Epsom and Glauber. Epsom
salts are most frequently used, the chief action being as a physic.
Aloes take the places of salts for horses, as it is believed these are
much better than the mineral salts. In giving salts to cattle, the
drench is most satisfactory.
Dose: Use 1 quart of warm water in which place 1 tablespoonful of ginger
and 1 tablespoonful of common soda. To this add 1 pint to 1½ pints of
salts and dissolve by shaking or stirring. For sheep and pigs,
one-quarter of this amount is sufficient.
SULPHUR
This yellow powder is well known and is a great medicine when given
internally. It acts on the blood and purifies it. It is excellent also
for killing parasites or germs in the skin, hence it is good for all
diseases. When used internally it is best to combine with gentian root.
Give once a day for a short period.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 tablespoonful; sheep and pigs, 1
teaspoonful.
SOME COMMON PRESCRIPTIONS
=Colic Mixture.=--Laudanum, 16 tablespoonfuls; aromatic spirits of
ammonia, 12 tablespoonfuls; sulphuric ether, 2 tablespoonfuls; tincture
of aconite, 10 drops; ginger, 16 tablespoonfuls. Dissolve in a pint of
water. From 10 to 20 tablespoonfuls of this can be given in one-half
pint of water. If relief is not secured, repeat in a half hour, follow
with a third dose, then with another, giving the doses one-half to one
hour apart.
=Fly Blister.=--Powdered cantharides, 2 teaspoonfuls; gum camphor
powdered, 2 tablespoonfuls; lard, 8 tablespoonfuls. After thoroughly
mixing, rub in 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the severity of the blister
desired.
=Red Blister.=--Gum camphor powdered, 2 tablespoonfuls; biniodide of
mercury, 2 teaspoonfuls; lard, 8 tablespoonfuls. This should be rubbed
in from 5 to 10 minutes.
=Cough Mixture.=--Belladonna, 2 tablespoonfuls; pulverized opium, 2
tablespoonfuls; gum camphor, pulverized, 2 teaspoonfuls; chloride of
ammonia, 2 tablespoonfuls; sulphur, 4 tablespoonfuls. An easy way to
give this is to mix with molasses and flour until a paste is secured.
=Soothing Ointment.=--Laudanum, 8 tablespoonfuls; aconite, 4
tablespoonfuls. This is excellent for sprains, and relieves the pain and
soreness when applied to a part where there is much inflammation.
=Hoof Ointment.=--Raw linseed oil, one-quarter pound; crude petroleum
oil, one-quarter pound; neat’s-foot oil, one-quarter pound; pine tar,
one-quarter pound. Mix well and apply every night with a brush all over
and under the hoof. A little in the hair above will do no harm. Clean
out the hoof before applying.
=Physic Drench for Horses.=--Aloes, 8 teaspoonfuls; common soda, 1
teaspoonful; ginger, 1 teaspoonful. Dissolve these in a pint of lukewarm
water and give as a drench. The horse should be allowed rest the day
following its use.
[Illustration: READY FOR THE DRENCH
A simple device for giving drenches to horses.]
=Physic Drench for Cattle.=--Epsom salts, 1 pound; ginger, 1
tablespoonful; common soda, 1 tablespoonful. Dissolve in a quart of
lukewarm water and give as a drench. It is a splendid general physic for
cows, and can be given at any time when they are thought not to be
thriving as they should.