Derivation.—A mixture of ammonium chloride or sulphate, and calcium carbonate, is sublimed and resublimed. Ammonium carbonate, so-called, is a mixture of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate.
Properties.—White translucent masses, having astrongly ammoniacal odor, and a sharp saline taste. On exposure to air it loses both ammonia and carbonic dioxide, soluble one part in four parts of water.
Doses.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 3 drs.; sheep and pigs,1⁄4to 1 dr.; dogs, 2 to 8 grs. Larger doses are recommended when a antispasmodic or carminative is desired the dose for horses and cattle can be increased to an ounce, but only two doses should be administered, well diluted in water or in ball or capsule.
Actions.—Ammonium carbonate is decomposed by acid in the stomach and escapes in the urine. It stimulates gastric secretion, vascularity and motion, and exciting intestinal peristalsis. It is, therefore, a stomachic and carminative. It is also an antacid, and, in large doses, an emetic for dogs. It is given in capsules or in solution in cold water, to avoid irritating fumes; also with syrup or gruel. It is often prescribed with other stimulants and antispasmodics, as alcohol, camphor, capsicum and asafoetida. The action of ammonium carbonate is almost identical with that of ammonia water in stimulating the heart and respiration, but it has more power in augmenting the bronchial secretions.
Uses.—It is given to all animals in indigestion; conjoins the actions of an antacid and diffusible stimulant; in small doses promotes secretion of gastric juice, and in larger, relieves flatulence and spasm. In diseases of the air passages it is used as an expectorant; is contra-indicated in purpura haemorrhagica, as it lowers the oxygen carrying power of red blood corpuscles, and dissolves fibrin. As a stimulant it can be combined with alcohol and sulphuric ether. Ammonia is recommended where a clot, thrombi or embolism is supposed to exist on account of its defibrinating power. Ammonium carbonate is used extensively in the treatment of spasmodic and flatulent, colic and acute indigestion conjoined with either asafoetida, capsicum, camphor, nux vomica and alcohol.
Derivation.—This salt may be formed by neutralizing crude solution of ammonia or ammonium carbonate with hydrochloric acid and purifying the product.
Properties.—A white, crystalline powder without odor, having a cooling, saline taste, and permanent in the air. Soluble in two parts of water; in fifty parts alcohol.
Doses.—Horses, 1 to 2 drs.; cattle, 4 drs. to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 15 grs. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 10 grs.
Actions.—Internally it is an expectorant, alterative, feebly diaphoretic and diuretic. When ingested, ammonium chloride is a feeble heart and respiratory stimulant, and is not comparable to the ammonia compounds or ammonium carbonate in this respect. It is eliminated in great part unchanged by the urine, but also by the other channels. In its excretion it stimulates the mucous membranes, increases their secretion generally, and is thought to improve their nutrition. Ammonium chloride both excites the secretion of the bronchial mucous membrane and renders it less viscid in inflammatory conditions. Externally it is a refrigerant.
Uses.—Useful in all diseases where an expectorant is indicated, catarrhal condition, pneumonia, coughs, influenza, chronic congestion of the liver, etc. Used externally one part ammonium chloride dissolved in ten parts of water as a refrigerant lotion for inflammatory swellings, bruises and sprains.
Derivation.—Dissolve silver in nitric acid with heat. Evaporate and crystallize.
Properties.—Colorless, transparent, tubular, rhombic crystals, becoming gray, or grayish-black on exposure to light in the presence of organic matter; without odor, but having a bitter, caustic and strongly metallic taste; soluble in water and alcohol.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 5 to 10 grs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 grs.; dogs,1⁄8to1⁄2gr.
Derivation.—Melt silver nitrate, 30 parts, with potassium nitrate, 60 parts, in a crucible at as low a temperature as possible. Mix and cast into suitable moulds.
Properties.—A white, hard, solid, generally in the form of pencils or canes of a finely granular fracture; becoming gray or grayish-black on exposure to light in the presence of organic matter; odorless, having a caustic, metallic taste. Soluble in water and alcohol.
Derivation.—Melt silver nitrate, 100 parts, with hydrochloric acid, 4 parts at as low a temperature as possible. Mix and pour into suitable moulds.
Properties.—Practically same as mitigated silver nitrate. Use only externally.
Actions.—Silver nitrate combines with the albumen of the tissues, and is a limited caustic; causes superficial inflammation and stains the parts black; small doses increase secretion and stimulate the heart. It promotes nutrition, and is said to be a nerve tonic. Its continued administration causes waste, gastro-intestinal catarrh, fluidity of the blood, slate colored lines about the gums, and similar discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane, followed by nervous disorder, paralysis, convulsions and death.
Uses.—A solution of forty grains to one ounce of spirit of nitrous ether is said to abort superficial inflammation, if early applied; used for erysipelas, twenty grains to one ounce of distilled water, applied around margin to limit the area; also used in ulceration of the throat; used with a spray or swab, in strength of from ten grains to one-half to drachm to one ounce of distilled water. For dysentery, internally and as an enemait is very good; used in conjunctivitis one to five grains to one to two ounces of distilled water, is the average strength, and should only be applied to the conjunctiva or lids, and should not be on the cornea, as it may form an insoluble chloride of silver and cause permanent opacities. Nitrate of silver is used in the form of lunar caustic to stimulate indolent ulcers, and to burn off warts.
To stimulate ulcers, touch in spots around the edge; also used in chorea epilepsy and chronic spinal disease, foot rot in sheep; a piece of the caustic is placed in sinuses of fistulous withers, quittors, etc. It causes a slough, followed by healthy granulation; used for sore teats in cows.
Origin.—Arnica is obtained from the flower roots of a plant that grows in mountainous countries of Central Europe, Asia and America.
Composition.—An active principle called arnicin. The root contains an essential oil, on which depends in great part its physiological activity.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 15 grs. to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 grs.; dogs,1⁄2to 3 grs.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 3 drs.; sheep and pigs,1⁄2to 1 dr.; dogs, 2 to 10 ms.
This is the best and most used preparation of Arnica.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; sheep and pigs, 15 ms. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 ms. This dose can be given every three hours to maintain the circulationof the skin; as a diaphoretic, the dose can and may be increased and combined with other diaphoretics.
Incompatibles.—Its action is antagonized by ammonia, alcoholic stimulants, opium, camphor, etc.
Synergists.—Aconite, veratrum viride, digitalis and arterial sedatives, generally increase the effects of arnica.
Actions.—Arnica is irritant, stimulant, depressant; antipyretic, diuretic, diaphoretic and is used as a vulnerary, it dilates the circular blood vessels. It irritates the gastro-intestinal tract. In alcoholic solutions (as tincture of arnica) it inflames the skin when used full strength.
In small doses it increases the action of the heart, raises arterial tension and stimulates the action of the skin and kidneys.
Large doses produce a transient excitement, followed by depressed circulation, respiration and temperature.
Uses.—It is a very efficient diaphoretic for horses in one or two ounce doses diluted in one pint of water; one-half ounce of fluid extract pilocarpus may be added at the outset of inflammatory diseases of any kind, such as lymphangitis, laminitis, pulmonary diseases, etc. Excellent to stop a chill and prevent the following fever or inflammatory action. It does this by dilating the blood vessels of the skin, thus attracting the blood to the surface and away from congested internal organs. It is indicated in sthetic fever of any kind; azoturia, rheumatism, especially inflammatory or articular; congestion of the brain, kidneys, etc., externally much used, but of little value on hairy animals.
Origin.—The world’s supply of arsenic and arsenic compounds at the present time is obtained from Germany, Spain, England, Canada and portions of the United States, as Montana and Washington, where considerable quantities of arsenic are being produced as a by-product in the smelting of copper ores. Arsenic ore is roasted and purified by sublimation, before it is used for medical purposes.
Derivation.—Arsenical ores are roasted or conducted into condensing chambers and purified by sublimation.
Properties.—A heavy solid, occurring either as an opaque, white powder, or in irregular masses of two varieties; the one amorphous, transparent and colorless, like glass; the other crystalline, opaque, and white, resembling porcelain. Frequently the same piece has an opaque, white outer crust enclosing the glassy variety. Contact with moist air gradually changes the glassy into the white opaque variety. Both are odorless and tasteless. The glassy variety dissolves slowly in thirty parts of water; the porcelain-like in eighty parts of water. Arcenous acid is sparingly soluble in alcohol, but soluble in glycerin, hydrochloric acid and solutions of the alkali hydrates and carbonates. When heated to 424°, arcenous acid is completely volatilized without melting.
Incompatibles.—Lime water, salts of iron and magnesia.
Dose.—Horses, 1 to 5 grs.; cattle, 2 to 8 grs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 grs.; dogs,1⁄30to1⁄10gr.
Derivation.—Arcenous acid, potassium bicarbonate, compound tincture of lavender and distilled water. Strength one part of arcenous acid in 100.
Dose.—Horses, 2 drs. to 1 oz.; cattle,1⁄2to 11⁄2ozs.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 40 ms.; dogs, 2 to 5 ms. Average dose for horse is1⁄2oz. usually given three times daily in drinking water or bran mash.
Derivation.—Arcenous acid, diluted hydrochloricacid, and distilled water. Strength one part arcenous acid in 100.
Dose.—Same as liquor potassii arsenitis.
Derivation.—Arcenous iodide, red mercuric iodide, and distilled water, which should contain not less then one per cent of arcenous iodide and one per cent of mercuric iodide.
Dose.—Same as liquor potassii arsenitis.
Actions.—Arsenic and its compounds are gastro-intestinal and pulmonary tonic, a stimulant and alterative, acting particularly on the digestive and respiratory mucous membranes and skin. It is antiperiodic and tonic; also antispasmodic in diseases of the nervous system, and is a nervine tonic. In large doses it is a corrosive-irritant poison, killing either by gastro-enteritis, or nervous paresis. Continued doses produce fatty degeneration. On account of its being a stomachic, small doses promote the appetite and digestion. Large doses inflame the stomach and derange digestion. It increases the cardiac action, respiratory power, and secretion of the intestines. It also stimulates peristalsis. When tolerance is established, large doses are taken with impunity.
Externally.—Arsenic is a very painful escharotic, exciting violent inflammation. It is a caustic, antiseptic, and parasiticide, and is frequently used as a sheep dip. It is eliminated chiefly by the kidneys, skin and saliva and milk of nursing animals.
Uses.—It should not be given in acute diseases. It is given as a general tonic after debilitating diseases especially when the lungs are involved, as in pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy. Arsenic combined with bran mashes is beneficial in stocking or swelling of the legs. As for its use in chronic indigestion, other medicines had better be resorted to. It assists in the expulsion of worms. Useful in chronic diseases of the air passage. Arsenic relieves irritable chronic coughs, and roaring inearly stages, as well as thick and broken wind and heaves. As an alterative modifying tissue change it is prescribed in early stages of tuberculosis, chronic rheumatism, chorea and epilepsy. It prevents periodically returning fevers. In anaemia it increases both red and white blood corpuscles. For chorea in dogs, commence with a small dose, three times daily and increase a minimum per dose every third or fourth day until the physiological limit is reached as described under (Toxicology of Arsenic).
Actions on the Skin.—Administered internally it stimulates the dermis and hastens the removal of epidermal cells; hence it is useful in all chronic skin diseases, as chronic eczema, scab, mange and warts. To remove warts that occur in the mouth and on the muzzle of animals, give internally and apply locally Fowler’s solution. In chronic skin diseases use Donovan’s or Fowler’s solution or acidum arsenosum and sulphur mixed in the feed. Useful internally in successive eruptions of the skin boils and in chronic urticaria.
External Uses.—The white arsenic or arcenous acid is used to slough out tumors, fistulae, quittors, etc. But I would not recommend it as it is too painful. It is valuable in the treatment of foot-rot. The affected animals should be slowly driven through a trough containing a solution of arsenic. It is used extensively for sheep and cattle to destroy ticks. In this way, animals are sometimes poisoned, as it drips on the grass and other animals eat it.
Toxicology of Arsenic.—Full medical doses if long continued, cause edema and itching of the eyelids, increased flow of saliva nausea, diarrhoea or dysentery, weak heart, soreness to the touch over the region of the stomach, itchy skin with small eruptions, jaundice and albuminuria. In long continued doses it diminishes exudation, decomposes albuminoid tissues and produces fatty degeneration; also lessens the glycogenic functions of the liver.
Chronic Arsenical Poisoning.—Is common in thevicinity of either tin or copper smelting plants. The symptoms are as follows: indigestion, thirst, wasting, chronic diseases of joints and bones, the knee joints swell, the animal becomes lame and hide-bound, hair falls off, skin gets rough and scurfy, teeth get black and fall out and necrosis of the bones follow.
Antagonists and Incompatibles.—The salts of iron, magnesia, lime, and astringents, are chemically incompatible. The hydroxide of iron, or as it is also known, hydrate sesquioxide of iron, freshly made and in soft magma is the antidote to arsenic. To dogs give from half to one tablespoonful every five or ten minutes. From eight to twenty grains of the antidote are required to each grain of arsenic swallowed (when it can be determined). The stomach should first be emptied by the use of cathartics or stomach pump and then give the antidote, and follow with demulcents as oil, milk and mucilaginous drinks. Also administer diluents, as weak alkaline water. Iodide of potassium is valuable as a antidote of arsenical poisoning and should be administered to promote elimination of the poison. In the absence of the antidote, chalk, magnesia and lime water may be freely given. These agents act mechanically by developing the poison and preventing absorption. Dialysed iron is recommended as efficacious as an antidote in doses of five to fifteen minimums for dogs.
Derivation.—The rhizome of Aspidium Filix-mas. Collected late in the autumn, divested of its roots, leaves and dead portions, and carefully dried. Male fern should not be kept more than a year.
Habitat.—The male fern grows wild throughout most temperate regions, on the sides of roads and in open woods, especially where the soil is light.
Properties.—Its root stock is perennial, about a foot long and two inches thick; is scaly, tufted, greenish-brown, and firmly fixed in the ground by numerous black root fibers. The dried root has a disagreeableodor, and a sweet, astringent, nauseous taste. Powdered male fern should be freshly prepared and have a bright green color.
Dose.—The powdered male fern is given to horses and cattle in doses of 4 to 6 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 4 ozs.; dogs and cats,1⁄2to 2 ozs. The powder is bulky, and less certain than the oleoresin of aspidium.
Made by percolation with ether, distillation and evaporation of the ether.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 3 to 6 drs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs and cats, 15 ms. to 1 dr.
Action and Uses.—Male fern is irritant, vermicide laxative, large doses of the drug cause hemorrhagic gastro-enteritis, tremors, weakness, stupor, coma, acute nephritis and cystitis. Oleoresin of male fern is one of the most effectual remedies for tapeworm, particularly those inhabiting dogs.
Origin.—Belladonna is the leaves of a plant known as deadly nightshade. It grows wild in some parts of Great Britain, and is also cultivated to a great extent. The dried leaves of atropa belladonna yield, when assayed by the U. S. P. process, not less than 0.35 per cent of mydriatic alkaloids. Usually of a dull brownish-green color, the leaves much wrinkled and matted together, frequently with the flowering tops intermixed; odor distinctly narcotic, especially on moistening; taste somewhat bitter and acrid. Contains not less than 0.5 per cent atropine. The powdered leaves are characterized by few hairs and numerous small arrow-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate.
Dose.—Of the powdered leaves, horses and cattle,1⁄2to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs,1⁄2to 2 dr.; dogs, 1 to 5 grs.
Made by percolation with dilute alcohol and evaporation to pilular consistence. Used in preparing the unguentum belladonnae. Contains 1.4 per cent of mydriatic alkaloids.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 10 to 20 grs.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 grs.; dogs,1⁄8to1⁄2gr.
Belladonna leaves 100, dilute alcohol to make 1,000, made by maceration and percolation. (Strength 10%.)
Dose.—Dogs, 3 to 30 ms.
Extract of belladonna leaves, 10; dilute alcohol, 5; hydrous wool fat, 20; benzoinated lard, 63.
Derivation.—The dried root of atropa belladonna yielding, when assayed by the U. S. P. process not less than 0.5 per cent of mydriatic alkaloids.
Constituents.—Same as leaves. Contains not less than 0.5 per cent atropine.
Made by maceration with alcohol and water and evaporation. One cc. of the extract = one gm. of belladonna root. Standardized so that 100 cc. of the fluidextract contain 0.5 gm. of mydriatic alkaloids. This is one of the most reliable preparations of belladonna.
Dose.—Horses, 1 to 2 dr.; cattle, 2 to 3 dr.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 15 ms.; dogs, 1 to 3 ms.
Made by adding camphor, 50 parts to fluidextract of belladonna to make 1,000 parts (U. S. P.).
An alkaloid obtained from belladonna. As it occurs in commerce, it is always accompanied by small proportion of hyoscyamine extracted along with it, from which it cannot readily be separated.
Derivation.—Atropine is obtained from a strong tincture of the root.
Properties.—A white crystalline powder, very soluble in water and alcohol.
Dose.—Horses,1⁄2to 11⁄2grs.; cattle, 1 to 2 grs.; sheep and pigs,1⁄20to1⁄12gr.; dogs,1⁄150to1⁄50gr. The doses should be considerably reduced when used with morphine.
Incompatibles.—Caustic alkalies; antagonize physiologically by pilocarpine and physostigma throughout almost whole range of its influence, and opium within a certain limitation, prevents the respiratory failure, which is the cause of death.
Action.—Belladonna is an irritant narcotic, a mydriatic, an antispasmodic and anodyne. In small doses a cardiac, respiratory and spinal stimulant; in large doses a paralyzer of the sensory and motor nerve endings and a stimulator of the entire sympathetic system.
It produces dryness of the mucous membrane of the throat, mouth, nose and pharynx, and at first lessens the gastric and intestinal secretions, but soon produces them in large quantities. It is anti-galactogogue, that is, it arrests secretion of milk.
The heart rate is at first slowed, but soon becomes very rapid and vigorous, the pulse being doubled in rapidity; arterial tension is raised and the circulation greatly increased.
The pupils are dilated by the local or systemic use of the drug.
The brain is congested by belladonna, a busy delirium being produced, and hallucinations with mental disorder, due to a selective action on the cell of the gray matter.
The spinal cord is stimulated from the second cervical vertebrae to the tenth dorsal, resulting in paralysis of the motor nerves, both central and peripheral, power being lost in hind extremities first. The respiration is increased and the temperature is raised by the increased circulation; metamorphosis is greatly promoted.
Belladonna and atrophine are rapidly diffused and quickly eliminated by the kidneys. By its paralyzing effect on the terminal nerve filaments, it relaxes the bronchial tubes and checks the secretion of the bronchial mucous membrane; it checks secretion of saliva and milk in the same way and causes dryness of the skin.
Uses.—Belladonna and atrophine is indicated anywhere that an antispasmodic and anodyne is needed. Is serviceable in catarrh, pharyngitis and bronchitis to check secretion in second stage; heaves, especially asthmatic heaves, combined with gelsemium and lobelia, followed by Fowler’s Solution; in influenza, it stimulates the weakened heart, besides having other good effects.
In the first stage of respiratory diseases, belladonna alone, or combined with aconite or other febrifuges and expectorants; in cough, especially spasmodic or when due to irritation of the throat; in heart failure or heart weakness, hypodermic injections of atrophine are beneficial; in spasmodic colic one to two drachms of the fluid extract to a dose, but one drachm is usually sufficient; as a powerful antispasmodic and anodyne, atropine and morphine combined; small doses are given in constipation of the bowels, combined with nux vomica; small doses with purgatives are said to aid their action.
In tetanus give one to two drachms of the extract two or three times daily; in paralysis of the throat of tetanus the fluid extract combined with soap liniment or used alone externally; in cerebro-spinal meningitis, belladonna and ergot alternated with aconite is rational treatment, conjoined with the external treatment. Itallays irritations of the bladder, rectum, and uterus, especially if combined with cannabis indica.
In contraction or rigid os the extract applied directly, quickly relaxes and allows parturition; it is well to see if this is necessary before giving ergot.
Used extensively in examinations and diseases of the eye.
Atrophine sulphate is used locally to dilate the pupil, assisting in the detection of cataracts or other disorders of the eye and testing the condition of the refracting media; for dilating pupil use a solution of four grains of the atrophine to one ounce of distilled water; a few drops are placed into the eye, for inflammation of the eye with great irritation; belladonna may be combined with cocaine; in iritis.
Antidote.—In poisoning, tannic acid should be used.
A balsamic resin obtained from styrax benzoin dryander, and another unidentified species of styrax. It contains benzoic acid in the proportions 12 to 20 per cent to which it probably owes its action.
Habitat.—Southern Asia.
Properties.—In pebble-like bodies or tears, slightly flattened, straight or curved, yellowish to rusty-brown externally, milky-white on fresh fractures internally. Odor agreeable, balsamic; taste slightly acrid. It is almost wholly soluble in five parts of moderately warm alcohol, and in solutions of the fixed alkalies. When heated it gives off fumes of benzoic acid.
Constituents.—Benzoic acid, cinnamic acid; resins and a volatile oil.
Made by melting lard 1,000, with benzoin 20, and straining; used as an ointment itself, and as a base for other ointments.
Made by maceration of benzoin 200, in alcohol; filtration and addition of alcohol to make 1,000.
Dose.—Horses and cattle,1⁄2to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 drs.; dogs, 30 to 60 ms.
Commonly known as Friar’s Balsam. Benzoin, 100; purified aloes, 20; storax, 80; balsam of tolu, 40; alcohol to make 1,000. Made by digestion and filtration.
Derivation.—Obtained from benzoin by sublimation, or artificially prepared.
Properties.—White feathery crystals of a peculiar, agreeable odor, and warm acidulous taste, sparingly soluble in cold water (1 to 500), more soluble in boiling water, 1 in 15, and in 2 parts of alcohol; borax renders it more soluble.
Incompatibles.—Alkalies, ammonium carbonate.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; sheep and pigs,1⁄2to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 15 grs.
Made by the action of benzoic acid and ammonia water. In white crystals. Soluble in 10.5 parts of water; in 25 parts of alcohol.
Dose.—Same as benzoic acid.
Made by the action of a hot solution of sodium carbonate of benzoic acid. Occurs in a white powder. Soluble in 1.6 parts of water; in 43 parts of alcohol.
Dose.—Same as benzoic acid.
Made by decomposing lithium carbonate with benzoic acid. It should contain not less than 98.5 per centof pure lithium benzoate, and should be kept in a well stopped bottle. Soluble in 3 parts of water, and in 13 parts of alcohol.
Dose.—Same as benzoic acid.
Actions.—Benzoin is a mild stimulant, expectorant and antiseptic; benzoic acid is quite powerful; it renders alkaline urine acid; it is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi.
Uses.—The tincture and compound tincture are used as stimulants and antiseptics for wounds and sores. Benzoic acid, when administered internally, acts mildly as an antiseptic to the bladder; useful in catarrh of the bladder. Benzoate of soda is used in bronchial catarrh. Benzoate of ammonia is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi. Lithium benzoate has been highly recommended as a remedy for rheumatic affections.
The unpeeled, dried rhizome of acorus calamus Linne.
Habitat.—United States, Europe, Western and Southern Asia, including India and Japan.
Properties.—The leaves as well as the root have an aromatic odor; but the root only is employed. It should be collected late in the autumn, or in the early spring. After removal from the ground, the roots are washed, freed from their fibers, and dried with moderate heat. By drying they lose nearly one-half their diameter, but are improved in odor and taste.
Constituents.—Acorin, a liquid, yellow glucoside, having a bitter taste; a volatile oil; calamine; choline.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 grs to 1 dr.
Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 ms. to 1 dr.
Action and Uses.—Calanus is a feeble aromatic bitter, and is therefore useful in loss of appetite and indigestion associated with mild forms of flatulence. The powdered root is used as a base in powders, balls and electuaries. It is harmless, and the dose is therefore unimportant.
Derivation.—Prepared by burning white marble, oyster shells, or the purest varieties of natural calcium carbonate; to expel carbon dioxide.
Properties.—Lime is in hard, white or grayish-white masses, which in contact with air gradually attract moisture and carbon dioxide and fall to a white powder; odorless; of a sharp caustic taste. Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.
Actions.—Antacid, gastric sedative, intestinal astringent, desiccant.
Uses.—Its principal use is in diarrhoea, combined with opium tannic acid, also antiseptics; makes a very good dusting powder over abraded surfaces. Lime water and milk equal parts and sweetened is very good for puppies raised on a bottle as it is easily digested.
Composed of lime water and raw linseed oil equal parts; is very good for burns. Carron oil given internally is a good, mild laxative and antacid for horses with heaves. It is given on the food. It is also an excellent purgative for foals and calves in the treatment of diarrhoea and indigestion.
The dried transversely cut slices of the root of Jateorhiza Calumba.
Habitat.—Mozambique, East Africa. Cultivated in the East Indies.
Properties.—Odor slight, taste bitter. It containscalumbin, a neutral bitter, crystalline substance; an alkaloid, berberine; calumbic acid and starch.
Dose.—Horses and cattle,1⁄2to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 5 to 30 grs.
Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and evaporation.
Dose.—Same as calumba.
Made by maceration and percolation of calumbae, with alcohol and water.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 ozs.; sheep and pigs,1⁄2to 1 oz.; dogs, 1 to 2 dr.
Actions and Uses.—Calumba is a bitter, gastric stimulant and carminative. It promotes secretion of gastric juice and improves the appetite. As it contains no tannin it is devoid of astringency and may be prescribed with preparations of iron. Like qussia, calumba infusion may be used to destroy worms in the horse’s rectum.
A gum-resin obtained from garcinia hunburii Hooker filius (nat. ord. guttiferae).
Habitat.—Southern Asia.
Properties.—In cylindrical pieces, usually hollow in the center, externally grayish orange-brown, longitudinally striate; fracture conchordal, orange-red, waxy and somewhat porous; inodorous; taste very acid. Powder bright yellow, sternutatory, containing few or no starch grains. Not more than 25 per cent should be soluble in alcohol; ash not more than 3 per cent.
Dose.—Horses,1⁄2to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 11⁄2oz.; sheep and pigs, 20 grs. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 10 grs.
Actions.—Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue purgative,and slightly diuretic. Its action is uncertain and often violent, with production of griping pains. Large doses cause vomiting in the dog and gastro-enteritis in all that cannot vomit. Gamboge is dissolved by the bile and alkaline intestinal juices and some of it is absorbed, since it colors the urine yellow in its elimination and occasions diuresis.
Uses.—Gamboge should never be prescribed alone. It has been recommended in obstinate constipation, indigestion, impaction of the third stomach, and brain diseases of cattle, conjoined with salts, or rubbed up with water and an equal amount of aloes (each one ounce).
Derivation.—Camphor is obtained from a tree known as Laurel Camphor. The branches are cut and boiled in water and the camphor rises to the top in the form of gum.
Habitat.—Japan, China and Sunda Islands.
Properties.—White translucent masses, of a tough consistence and a crystalline structure, readily pulverizable in the presence of a little alcohol ether or chloroform; having a penetrating characteristic odor, and a pungent aromatic taste. Very sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, petroleum, benzine and in fixed and volatile oils. On exposure to the air, it evaporates more or less rapidly at ordinary temperatures, and when moderately heated, it sublimes without leaving a residue.
Dose.—Horses, 1 to 3 drs.; cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; sheep and pigs, 15 grs. to 1 dr.; dogs, 3 to 30 grs.
Tincture camphor 8, with alcohol 8 and purified talc 15; then with water to make 1000 filter.
Camphor water has this advantage over camphor in substance, that the latter is with difficulty dissolved by liquids of the stomach; but it is too feeble a preparation for use when a decided effect is desired; it is, however,an excellent vehicle for the administration of more active substances.
Dose.—Ad lib.
Made by dissolving gum camphor, 100, in alcohol, 800; filter and add alcohol to make 1000.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 30 grs. to 1 dr. Spirit of camphor is frequently prescribed in colic mixtures.
Made by adding camphor, 200 parts to cottonseed oil, 800 parts.
It is a mild rubefacient; is used in cough mixtures, also used locally in liniments.
Composed of camphor liniment, 100 parts, white wax 350 parts, white petrolatum 150 parts, lard 400 parts.
For external use only.
Composed of soap 60 parts, camphor 45 parts, oil of rosemary 10 parts, alcohol 725 parts, water to make 1000 parts; for external use only, as a mild stimulating and anodyne liniment, usually combined with other medicines and used for its stimulating properties.
Derivation.—Made by heating camphor and bromine in the proper chemical proportions for three hours in a sealed tube, in a water bath. The crystalline masses washed with water, recrystallized from alcohol after treatment with animal charcoal, washedwith an alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide, then with much water and finally recrystallized from a mixture of alcohol and ether. It is very easy to prepare the monobromide on a small scale in this way.
Properties.—Colorless, prismatic needles or scales, permanent in air, almost soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform and fixed and volatile oils; used frequently as an anaphrodisiac.
Dose.—Dogs, 2 to 10 gr.
Actions.—Antispasmodic or nerve stimulant, anodyne, antiseptic, diaphoretic, a stimulant, expectorant, a cerebral excitant or narcotic, a gastro-intestinal irritant, a rubefacient or counter-irritant and also carminative. It has an acrid hot taste, irritates the skin and mucous membrane, large doses causing gastro-intestinal inflammation.
Medical doses stimulate the vaso-motor system and the cardiac-motor ganglia, and lessens the influence of the pneumogastric (inhibitory nerve); afterwards stimulates the accelerator apparatus, thus increasing the circulation and raising arterial tension; it also stimulates respiration, and in man stimulates mental activity even to intoxication.
Uses.—In catarrhal conditions, cough mixtures, acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia. The spirits of camphor is used in colic mixtures; also locally to stop secretions of milk applied frequently; in cardiac weakness; strangury may be relieved by one to two ounce doses of the spirits for the horse. Spirits of camphor is used in Thumps.
Camphor is a valuable medicine in diarrhoea, particularly in serious variety, and in that form following exposure to cold. It is not useful in inflammatory conditions, but checks secretions and pain.
Spirit of camphor and nitrous ether are efficient in relieving irritation of the genito-urinary tract. Camphor has proven of service in purpura hemorrhagica of horses given three times daily in capsules or pills.
Derivation.—Cantharides is obtained from flies which receive the name Spanish Fly on account of so many of them coming from Spain, but they are also imported from Germany and Russia; living chiefly on climbing shrubs and trees.
Description.—About 20 to 25 m. m. long and about 6 mm. broad, flattish cylindrical, with filiform antennae, black in the upper part, and with long wing-sheaths, and ample membranous, transparent, brownish wings, elsewhere of a shining, coppery-green color. The powder is grayish-brown, and contains green shining particles. Odor strong and disagreeable; taste slight, afterwards irritating. Cantharides deteriorate with age and should be kept unpowdered in tightly stoppered bottles.
Dose.—Of the powdered fly, horses and cattle, 5 to 10 gr.; sheep and pigs, 3 to 6 gr.; dogs,1⁄2to 2 gr.
Prepared by percolation of powdered cantharides, 100 parts, with alcohol to make 1000 parts.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 dr.; sheep and pigs, 15 to 30 m.; dogs, 2 to 15 m.
Actions.—Externally, is rubefacient, irritant, vesicant, according to the strength used, it promotes water blister; counter-irritant, etc. Cantharides acts more powerfully on the skin of horses and dogs than on that of cattle and swine. If applied over an extensive surface, absorption and poisoning may occur.
Internally cantharides is an irritant, and produces its effects on any part which the free cantharidin is brought into contact. When swallowed it irritates the digestive mucous membrane; large doses produce gastro-enteritis. The active cantharidin is absorbed, and in the blood forms a non-irritant albuminoid, but in the kidneys is again liberated, developing its characteristic irritation, medical doses stimulating the urino-genital tract, causing diuresis, and in some animals increasessexual appetite; full doses induce inflammation, slow and painful discharge of bloody urine.
Uses.—Externally cantharides is employed as a blister rubefacient or as a counter-irritant; blisters are formed in from two to eight hours. If repeatedly used it may cause sloughing of the tissue; cantharides may be used wherever a blister or counter-irritant is required, except in inflammation of the urinary organs, as it is absorbed and will increase the inflammation. Cantharides conjoined with red mercurous iodide and adeps is usually employed in the treatment of diseases of the bones, joints, bursae, ligaments and tendons. In exostoses, as bone spavin and ring bone, used most effectively after the actual cautery, to secure absorption and resolution, or anchylosis. Always clip off the hair close before applying a blister, tie or muzzle the animal so he cannot bite it; leave blister on forty-eight hours, then wash and grease the parts daily. A cantharides blister is sometimes beneficial in hastening the formation of abscess (distemper); also to stimulate indolent ulcers or wounds; it causes swelling and closes the opening of small umbilical hernias of foals and calves. It is also valuable in closing and sealing punctured wounds into joints and synovial cavities. The tincture of cantharides can be applied once or twice daily, full strength, when the exudation of much serum is desired. Cantharides is seldom used internally except in incontinuence of urine from debility or partial paralysis of the bladder. Seldom used to increase sexual desire. The tincture of cantharides should be employed when the drug is administered internally.
The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum Blume deprived of its calyx.
Habitat.—Tropical America; cultivated also in other tropical countries.
Properties.—Capsicum when ground has a hot, pungent, spicy taste.
Constituents.—Capsicum contains capsaicin, a crystallizable, acrid body; capsicin, a volatile alkaloid; a fixed oil; fatty matter; resin.
Dose.—Horses, 20 gr. to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr., sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 gr.; dogs, 1 to 5 gr.
Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, and evaporated, so that 1 cc. equals 1 gm. of the crude drug.
Dose.—Horses, 10 m. to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 m.; dogs, 1 to 5 m.
Made by percolation of capsicum, 100, with alcohol and water to make 1,000.
Dose.—Horses, 2 to 4 dr.; cattle,1⁄2to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 20 m. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 m.
Made by percolation with acetone, distillation and evaporation of the residue.
Dose.—Horses, 10 to 30 m.; cattle,1⁄2to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 5 m.; dogs,1⁄2to 1 m.
Action and Uses.—Capsicum and its preparations are irritants, stimulating stomachics, carminatives and rubefacients. Large doses, especially in carnivora and omnivora, are irritant poisons, inflaming the alimentary and sometimes also the urino-genital mucous membranes. Properly regulated doses are indicated in atonic indigestion and flatulent colic in horses combined with ammonium carbonate. It may be advantageously combined with bitters, as nux vomica. Capsicum is a favorite stimulant and tonic remedy—to the digestion—with poultry fanciers. It also increases the laying of eggs when given to hens. Externally capsicum is rubefacientand counter-irritant, producing about the same degree of irritation as mustard, but causing considerable pain. It ought not be used for blistering ointments or for setons.
A liquid consisting of 99 to 99.4 per cent, by weight, of absolute chloroform, and 0.6 to 1 per cent alcohol.
Derivation.—Alcohol and water are heated in a still to 37.70° C. (100° F.), when chlorinated lime is added and chloroform is evolved.
Properties.—Chloroform is a heavy, clear, colorless, mobile and diffusible liquid, of a characteristic ethereal odor, and a burning sweet taste. Specific gravity not below 1.476 at 25° C. (77° F.). Soluble in 200 times its volume of cold water, and in all proportions in alcohol, ether, benzol, benzine and the fixed and volatile oils. Chloroform is not inflammable. Chloroform should be kept in dark amber colored well stoppered bottles in a cool and dark place.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 40 m.; dogs, 2 to 8 m. Should be well diluted with glycerine, syrup, eggs or diluted alcohol; the above dose can be repeated every two or three hours.
A saturated solution of chloroform and distilled water, it should contain one-half per cent of chloroform. Chloroform water has been proven to be an excellent vehicle for administering active remedies, and, owing to its antiseptic properties, mixtures having it for a basis resist decomposition longer than those made with ordinary water. Used extensively as a vehicle in cough and diarrhoea mixtures.
Made from chloroform, 300 parts, soap liniment 700 parts.
Made from chloroform 60 parts, alcohol, 940 parts.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 20 to 40 m.
Made from chloroform, expressed oil of almond, tragacanth and water. Should contain four per cent of chloroform. A good agent and vehicle for diarrhoea and vermifuge mixtures for small animals.
Dose.—Dogs, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; cats,1⁄2to 1 dr.
Actions.—Chloroform is a topical irritant, antiseptic, parasiticide, carminative, antispasmodic and analgesic. Full doses quickly and powerfully paralyze the cerebro-spinal nervous system; chloroform kills by paralyzing the heart and respiration; the latter effects are most rapidly produced when the drug is inhaled. Chloroform is the general anaesthetic most used for veterinary purposes except for dogs.
Externally it is rubefacient if confined or even suppurant. It also acts as a refrigerant, anodyne and local anaesthetic if not confined. It penetrates the skin very readily and on this account is commonly used in liniments to aid in the absorption of other medicines.
Chloroform compared to ether is much more irritating to the mucous membrane, and causes violent gastro-enteritis, if swallowed undiluted; it is less stimulating and more depressing to the heart and circulation. For inhalation it requires much more air; is less irritant to the air passages than ether; is uninflammable, more pleasant, more prompt in action, has a shorter stage of excitement, causes a more profound narcosis, and is not so nauseating as ether and is cheaper. Statistics show it to be five times more fatal than ether.
The results of various experiments show that chloroform and ether both act in the same manner upon theheart and respiration, paralyzing the latter first; but chloroform acts much more quickly and powerfully than ether in both directions. But when chloroform is inhaled in a concentrated form it generally paralyzes the heart first.
Uses.—Chloroform should be used as an aid in painful and prolonged cases of parturition, especially where you have tumultuous contraction of the uterus, or rigid contraction of the os. Use just enough by inhalation to dull the pain and relax the parts; it will aid you in your efforts to rectify abnormal presentations by relaxing the parts.
Internally it is used in spasmodic and flatulent colic as it is an antispasmodic carminative and anodyne in its effects; chloroform combined with belladonna and opium is very beneficial in spasmodic coughs, given in linseed gruel or water, well diluted; in liniments about one or two ounces to the pint. Chloroform is used in chronic diarrhoea with other medicines, such as morphine, capsicum, camphor, oil of peppermint and ether. It is also a good taeniacide.
Anesthesia is divided into three stages; the stimulant, anaesthetic and paralytic.
In the first stagethere is struggling and excitement, due partly to the action of the drug and partly to fright. The local irritant action of the vapor causes choking and coughing, which also induces struggling.
The respiratory and cardiac centers are temporarily stimulated, as a consequence of which the pulse and respiratory movements are increased in force and frequency and blood tension is raised.
The smaller animals, particularly the dog, may vomit during the first stage of anaesthesia. In the first stage the dog may bark, whine or howl, the horse neighs and groans; other animals give expression to sounds more or less characteristic to their species.
The second or anesthetic stageis characterized byloss of consciousness, sensation, motion and partial loss of reflex action and is that state suitable for operations. The stimulating action of the anesthetic has passed and there is now depression of the cerebral functions, the motor centers. The voluntary muscles are completely relaxed, the sphincters occasionally, the patient lies absolutely motionless, the cornea fails to respond to irritation, i. e., winking is not produced when the cornea is lightly touched with the finger. Sometimes the muscles are rigid and twitching during this stage of anesthesia, though sensation and consciousness are absent. In the anesthesia stage the pulse is slow, full and strong, due to lowered blood pressure, the breathing is slow and shallow but regular.
The third or paralytic stage, which must be carefully watched against, poisoning is beginning and there is depression of the three great medullary centers controlling the heart, respiration and vascular tension and also the posterior reflex centers of the spinal cord, so that the urine and faeces are passed involuntarily. The passage of urine frequently occurs in the first stages of anesthesia and should not of itself be considered a danger mark. When the pulse becomes rapid, feeble and irregular, the breathing is at first stertorous and then the respiratory movements become shallow and weak, with long intervals intervening between them; this irregularity is a most important danger sign. The skin and mucous membrane often become cold and clammy. The pupils are usually widely dilated, though death may occur with either dilated or contracted pupils and consequently no dependence should be put in this sign unless there has been a sudden change from one condition of the pupils to the other. The three above mentioned stages are conventional, and are not in any case so clearly defined in practice as they are described theoretically upon paper. The first stage may be either absent or prolonged, and the last stage should not be reached at all.
Consequently you can see considering both drugs to be properly administered, all the advantages are in favor of chloroform except safety.
Ether is to be preferred for dogs, cats and other small animals.
Chloroform is especially dangerous for dogs, though horses stand it exceptionally well and it is preferable toether in large animals. The safety with which chloroform may be administered to large animals frequently makes veterinarians careless; that is, they “force” the drug; they do not allow sufficient air for dilution, and though the patients may not die from the immediate effects of the drug their existence may be terminated in a few days from pneumonia or broncho-pneumonia (mechanical), due to the irritating effects of the drug.
Anaesthesia.—It is best to cast the large animals; after complete anaesthesia remove the hobbles.
For dogs make a cone of a towel and paper, put a sponge in the bottom, allowing a small opening in the end to admit air; pour in ether a little at a time.
In brain diseases or tumors of the brain, chloroform is dangerous. Horses with heaves or emphysema should not take chloroform; it is also dangerous in fatty degeneration of the heart. Operations during incomplete anaesthesia, especially with chloroform, are dangerous; always produce complete anaesthesia, have the stomach empty, but don’t fast animals for more than two or three meals.
Things to remember when administering an anaesthetic:
The operator must be skilled and give his attention exclusively to the production of anaesthesia, watching the respiration and pulse for signs of failure.
Do not commence operation until anaesthesia is profound, until reflex action is abolished, which can be told by touching the eye with the finger; obey this, no matter how slight the operation. The utmost care should be exercised if the patient is very old or has fatty degeneration of the heart, or lung diseases.
Great care should be exercised in operations about the mouth or trachea. See that no blood passes down the trachea. The stomach and bowels should be empty. This will cause less nausea and feed may be regurgitated and run down the trachea.
When purchasing chloroform or ether for anaesthetic purposes insist on the best; it must be pure.
Ether can be used almost pure, only a little air being necessarily allowed for dilution; chloroform must have a large amount of air.
In all classes of patients the head should be slightly raised, and watch the tongue so that it does not fall back over the larynx and suffocate the animal.
Anaesthesia should be started very slowly; don’t force either chloroform or ether.
It is a good practice to have restoratives ready for use before commencing anaesthesia, as aqua ammonia fort., a hypodermic syringe and nitro-glycerin.