Part 7

DOSE.--Horses, 2 to 4 dr.; cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; dogs, 2 to 10 gr.

SYRUPUS FERRI IODIDI--SYRUP OF FERROUS IODIDE

Contains five per cent, by weight, of ferrous iodide.

PROPERTIES.--Transparent, pale green liquid; sweet, ferruginous taste.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 m. Given when you want the combined action of iron and iodine.

## ACTION.--Tonic, alterative, diuretic and emmenagogue.

FERRI CHLORIDUM--FERRIC CHLORIDE

Ferric chloride should contain not less than 22 per cent of metallic iron in the form of chloride.

PROPERTIES.--It is in orange-yellow, crystalline pieces, odorless or having a faint odor of hydrochloric acid and a strong styptic taste; deliquescent; soluble in water and alcohol; not used internally.

Used almost exclusively in the form of tincture or liquor, and in reference to its effect and application I refer you to Tincture Ferri Chloridi and Liquor Ferri Chloridi.

LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDE--SOLUTION OF FERRI CHLORIDE

DERIVATION.--Dissolve iron wire, 125, in hydrochloric acid, 680, nitric acid and water to make 1000.

PROPERTIES.--A reddish-brown liquid, having a faint odor of hydrochloric acid, an acid, strongly styptic taste.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 dr.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 20 m.; dogs, 2 to 10 m. All liquid preparations of iron should be well diluted with water or oil.

TINCTURA FERRI CHLORIDI--TINCTURE OF FERRIC CHLORIDE

Composed of ferric chloride, 350 parts; alcohol to make 1000.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 30 m.; dogs, 5 to 30 m.

LIQUOR FERRI SUBSULPHATIS--SOLUTION OF FERRIC SUBSULPHATE--MONSEL’S SOLUTION

A solution of sulphate of iron, sulphuric and nitric acids.

PROPERTIES.--A dark reddish-brown liquid, odorless or nearly so; of an acid, strongly styptic taste; miscible in water and alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 dr.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 20 m.; dogs, 2 to 10 m. This is used almost entirely for external use as an astringent and styptic.

There are 36 official preparations of iron and a number of unofficial preparations, quite a few of which are impracticable for use in veterinary medicine, consequently we have considered only those which are practicable for use. Some are more irritating than others and some have special actions due to other drugs combined with the iron.

GENERAL ACTION OF IRON AND ITS SALTS

Iron is not a foreign substance to the organism. It is constantly present in the blood, gastric juice, lymph, bile, pigment of the eye and traces of it in the milk and urine. In man there is 1 part of iron to 230 red blood corpuscles, and in cattle 1 to 194 red globules. That it performs a very important part is shown in the rapid construction of red globules when iron is administered in anaemia. Without it haematin is not formed and red globules diminish in number. By its medicinal use we furnish to the blood a material which it needs. The action of iron is not limited merely to the construction of red blood. It also promotes the appetite and invigorates the digestion when there is no intolerance to its presence in the stomach. By increasing the disposition for food and the ability to dispose of it, iron acts as a stomachic, consequently when given in the healthy state or when administered for too long a period during disease the gastric glands become exhausted by over-stimulation; then it is said that iron disagrees. Being a restorative its use is contra-indicated in a condition of plethora (fullness of the blood vessels). In large doses the soluble preparations of iron give rise to nausea and vomiting, some of them possessing more or less toxic activity. The iodide chloride and sulphate are the most

## active. Large doses will produce gangrene of the stomach and intestines.

Certain salts of iron, as the sulphates, nitrates and chlorides, possess a high degree of astringency, hence they produce constipation when taken internally. When brought into contact with blood they coagulate it, forming a tough brownish magma, and as the albuminous elements of the tissues are also solidified they are powerful haemostatics. Iron is eliminated chiefly by the intestinal route, partly by the liver into the bile, thence into the intestines, some by the kidneys also. The tincture of the chloride being especially diuretic.

Iron is a haematinic, stomachic, styptic, astringent or haemostatic. The tincture chloride in addition is diuretic. The sulphate is in addition vermicide. The iodide is alterative and resolvent as well as tonic. A medicine used in combination with iron may modify or enhance its action. Externally iron salts contract tissue by coagulating albumen when applied to raw surfaces or mucous membranes, and through this means by compressing the blood vessels from without and plugging them from within with clotted blood, arrest hemorrhage. The astringent salts may also induce some contraction of the vessels besides. Iron in the form of liquor ferri chloridi or liquor ferri subsulphatis is the most powerful of the metallic hemostatic agents we possess.

USES INTERNALLY.--The saccharated carbonate is staple, non-irritating to the stomach, and especially suited to dogs. It has the same uses as the sulphate. It is also used for the other animals when the stomach is weak.

Sulphate of iron is used locally as an astringent and internally as a haematinic and tonic in anaemia. It improves the appetite and abates exhausting discharges, as in nasal gleet and leucorrhoea. In atonic torpidity of bowels it is prescribed with aloes; also in the same way for intestinal worms. Conjoined with iodine it is the best prescription for diabetes insipidus. It is also prescribed with good results in the first stages of liver rot in sheep. Chorea and epilepsy when with anaemia are benefited by iron. Combined iron and arsenic for chorea. Septicaemia, pyaemia and all forms of blood poisoning, as purpura, haemorrhagica, scarlatina, etc., with quinine. The tincture chloride is prescribed in blood poisoning. In red water of cattle, after bowels are freely opened. In convalescence from debilitating diseases it is a valuable tonic combined with other medicines as nux vomica, quinine, etc. Such diseases as influenza, chest diseases and chronic catarrh should be followed with iron and other tonics.

Iodide of iron is used when an alterative as well as a tonic action is desired. It is given to promote the absorption of glandular enlargements in young and weakly animals, and in swelling of the joints. It is useful in polyuria or diabetes insipidus, also nasal gleet.

Tincture chloride of iron acts as a haematinic, tonic, antiseptic, astringent, styptic, diuretic and local irritant or caustic. It is serviceable in most cases in which the sulphate is recommended. It is used in atonic dyspepsia and for the removal of intestinal worms, in relaxed and sore throat.

Tincture Chloride of iron is also used in anaemia combined with arsenic or quinine, and in blood poisoning combined with quinine. It also promotes absorption of inflammatory material when associated with debility and anaemia. It is the most serviceable preparation of iron for influenza, purpura and scarlatina, as it has a tonic effect on both the blood and arterioles. In these cases it is prescribed with turpentine, quinine and oil. It is used in rheumatism in weakly patients alternated with salol, salicylic acid or salicylate of soda. Also used as an astringent and stimulant for the genito-urinary mucous membrane. The tincture being excreted by the kidneys, is preferred to watery solution. It is particularly suited for distemper and rheumatic lameness in weakly dogs.

USES.--Externally: Liquor ferri chloridi and liquor ferri subsulphatis are sometimes used to stop bleeding from wounds or natural cavities of the body. They may be injected, applied by swab, or on absorbent material, which is packed into the wound or cavity. As a local application in pharyngitis, we use one part of the solution of ferric chloride with four parts of glycerine. In the same strength, diluted with water, the chloride may be injected into the uterus to stop hemorrhage. Again, a solution in the strength of two drachms to the pint of water, is employed as an enema to destroy ascarides. The objection to these solutions of iron is that they form heavy, nasty, tenacious clots when employed to arrest hemorrhage, and the clots are apt to decompose and favor sepsis. Therefore they should not be used if other means, as ligature, pressure, heat or cold can be utilized. Iron is regarded as a specific for erysipelas. It is given both internally and externally.

ADMINISTRATION OF IRON.--The fluid preparations should be freely diluted; the solid preparations should be combined with protectives or inert remedies, either in powder or capsule form, or with stomachics as gentian root. Iron causes less gastric irritation and enters the blood more readily if given with or immediately after meals. In anaemia it should be given in increased doses. Overcome constipation by giving when necessary or combining iron with laxatives as linseed oil.

GAMBIR--CATECHU

An extract prepared from the leaves and twigs of Ourouparia Gambir (Hunter), Ballon (Fam. Rubiaceae). U. S. “An extract of the leaves and young shoots of the Uncaria Gambir, Roxb.”

HABITAT.--Africa and Southern Asia.

DESCRIPTION.--Irregular masses or cubes; reddish-brown, pale brownish-gray or light brown; fracture dull-earthy; friable, crystalline; inodorous, bitterish, very astringent, with a sweetish after-taste; free from starch. Not less than 70 per cent should be soluble in alcohol.

CONSTITUENTS.--Catechutannic acid (about 45 per cent) is the active principle; it is converted into the isomeric inactive catchnic acid, or catchin, by the saliva and by boiling, a red color being developed. There is also pyrocatechin or catechol.

INCOMPATIBLES.--Alkalies, metallic salts and gelatine.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr.

PREPARATIONS

TINCTURA GAMBIR COMPOSITA--COMPOUND TINCTURE OF GAMBIR

Composed of gambir, 50; cinnamon, 25; alcohol to make 1000.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 2 oz.; cattle, 1 to 3 oz.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; calves and foals, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; lambs, 10 to 30 m.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr. The above doses can be considerably increased and are good in cases of diarrhoea of small and young animals.

## ACTION AND USES.--Gambir is administered to all classes of domestic

animals for the arrest of chronic catarrhal discharges and haemorrhage, especially from the alimentary canal. The insoluble catechnic acid beneficially exerts its astringency on the relaxed, over-secreting surfaces alike of small and large intestines. In chronic diarrhoea and in dysentery it is combined with aromatics to allay flatulence; with opium to relieve irritability and spasm; with alkalies, magnesia, or chalk to counteract acidity.

If there is much mucus in the fecal discharges, showing a catarrhal state of the intestinal mucous membrane, it is advisable to give oil, salts or calomel before checking up the bowels with an astringent.

GENTIANA--GENTIAN

Gentian is obtained from the root Gentiana lutae.

HABITAT.--Mountainous parts of Southern and Central Europe.

PROPERTIES.--Odor strong, characteristic; taste slightly sweetish, strongly and persistently bitter. The powder is free from starch grains and sclerenchymatic tissues.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr.

PREPARATIONS

EXTRACTUM GENTIANAE--EXTRACT OF GENTIAN

Made by maceration and percolation with water and evaporated.

DOSE.--Horses, 30 gr. to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 40 gr.; dogs, 1 to 3 gr.

FLUIDEXTRACTUM OF GENTIANAE--FLUIDEXTRACT OF GENTIAN

Made by maceration and percolation with dilute alcohol and evaporated, so that 1 c. c. equals 1 gm. of the crude drug.

DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 m.

TINCTURA GENTIANAE COMPOSITA--COMPOUND TINCTURE OF GENTIAN

Composed of gentian, 100 parts; bitter orange peel, 40 parts; cardamon, 10 parts; made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 4 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.

## ACTION AND USES.--Gentian is a pure bitter, and is prescribed as a

stomachic and tonic for all classes of animals. Gentian improves the appetite and general tone. In atonic indigestion it is particularly useful amongst young animals, and in such cases is often conjoined with ginger and sodium bicarbonate. In relaxed and irritable states of the bowels and where intestinal worms are suspected, after administration of a laxative, gentian and dilute hydrochloric acid are of service. For horses suffering from simple catarrh few combinations are more effectual than an ounce of powdered gentian, two drachms potassium nitrate with two ounces of magnesium sulphate, dissolved in a pint of linseed tea, repeated morning and night. Where more general tonic effects are sought, iron sulphate is alternated with the gentian and salines. Gentian proves an excellent stomachic and stimulating tonic in influenza and other epizootics, helps convalescence from exhausting disorders and is a useful restorative for horses, overworked or suffering from loss of appetite or slight cold. The powdered gentian should be added to aloes when given in full cathartic doses to horses.

HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM--CORROSIVE MERCURIC CHLORIDE--BICHLORIDE OF MERCURY--CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE

ORIGIN.--Bichloride of mercury is obtained as a sulphate by heating a mixture of mercuric sulphate, sodium chloride and a little black oxide of manganese.

PROPERTIES.--Heavy, colorless masses; soluble one in sixteen of water, one in three of alcohol; hydrochloric acid or muriate of ammonia increases its solubility.

## ACTIONS.--It is a corrosive, irritant poison; it is occasionally

prescribed as an alterative, antiseptic and hepatic stimulant; repeated doses or long continued produce mercurialism. Externally, it is used as an antiseptic, astringent, caustic and parasiticide. It is a most powerful antiseptic when five parts of tartaric acid are added to one part of bichloride of mercury, which prevents the formation of insoluble albuminates of mercury in the tissues which checks any further action of the drug. Hydrochloric acid equal parts serves the same purpose.

USES.--For internal use milder preparations of mercury are preferred, and it is dangerous to use it for the production of mercurialism. For horses it has been prescribed in tetanus, chronic skin eruptions and swollen oedematous legs following repeated attacks of lymphangitis. Its chief use is that of an antiseptic externally for many surgical purposes, usually in the strength of one to five hundred, one to one thousand; for uterine injections, one to five thousand or one in ten thousand. Seven and a half grains to a pint of water makes a one to one thousand solution. Seven and a half grains to a quart of water makes a one to two thousand solution. Fifteen grains to a pint of water makes a one to five hundred solution. Instruments, sponges, towels as well as the hands are disinfected by washing in a one thousandth solution. But it is injurious to most metal instruments and irritates and roughens the operator’s hands. Best antiseptic for foul wounds, thrush, poll-evil, quittor and fistulous withers and nail punctures of the feet, a one in five hundred to one in one thousand solution to destroy the cryptogamic growths of ringworm, to kill lice and allay the itching of puritis and urticaria. Bichloride of mercury one part in one or two thousand parts of water is injected into the uterus in metritis, and in cases of abortion with good results. Contagious abortion is satisfactorily prevented by washing the aborted animal’s tail and external genital organs twice daily. All pregnant cows should be treated in the same manner. Warm solutions are much more active than cold.

A one in three to five thousand solutions are used in purulent conjunctivitis or wounds of the eye and lids, by frequently saturating absorbent cotton in the solution and holding over the eye by means of a clean cloth or bandage.

DOSES.--Horse, 1 to 5 gr.; cattle, 2 to 8 gr.; sheep, ¹⁄₂ to 1 gr.; pigs ¹⁄₈ to ¹⁄₂ gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₆₀ to ¹⁄₁₀ gr. Not often given internally. It is the best of all the preparations of mercury for hypodermic use in syphilitic diseases.

ANTIDOTES.--The white of eggs, stomach pump for horses and emesis for dogs; wheat flower, milk, etc.

HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM MITE--MILD MERCUROUS CHLORIDE--CALOMEL

ORIGIN.--Calomel is obtained by heating a mixture of mercurous sulphate and sodium chlorid. Calomel is found native in Spain and Carniola, but in too small quantities for commercial value.

PROPERTIES.--Calomel is a dull-white heavy powder. It is inodorous, insoluble in water, alcohol or ether.

## ACTIONS.--Calomel is a cathartic, laxative, alterative, diuretic and

vermifuge. Small doses are laxatives when repeated, large doses are cathartics, full doses irritate the stomach and produce emesis in man and dog. By stimulating the urea functions of the liver diuresis are produced, its action on the liver does not directly increase the secretion of bile, but removes it from the duodenum which reflexly increases its secretion. Repeated doses produce mercurial poisoning. It is an alterative when combined with opium, laxative in small repeated doses and cathartic in larger doses.

USES.--Calomel is useful in gastric and intestinal catarrh, bilious diarrhoea, influenza lymphangitis and liver disorders which show themselves by a yellowness of the visible mucous membranes. It is a useful adjuvant cathartic conjoined with aloes or other cathartics. As a laxative or cathartic for horses give aloes and calomel; cattle and sheep, magnesium and sodium sulphate; for pigs, dogs and cats with jalap. Pure calomel is a specific for thrush. It is also useful in the treatment of moist skin and raw sores, mixed in equal parts with bismuth subnitrate it quickly dries the flesh and prevents itching.

DOSES.--As a laxative vermifuge and alterative horses and cattle take 20 to 40 grs.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 20 grs.; dogs and cats, ¹⁄₁₆ to 1 gr., given two or three times a day with equal weight of opium which prevents griping and a too rapid removal by the bowels. As a cathartic, calomel is best conjoined with other medicines regulated by that of the medicine with which it is conjoined. A full cathartic for horses should consist of calomel 1 to 1¹⁄₂ drs. with aloes 4 to 6 drs.; cattle, 1¹⁄₂ to 2 drs. with magnesium sulphate or sodium sulphate 1 to 1¹⁄₂ pounds; sheep, 5 to 30 grs. with magnesium sulphate 4 to 8 ounces; pigs, 5 to 30 grs. with sodium bicarbonate ¹⁄₂ to 1 ounce; dogs and cats ¹⁄₈ to 10 grs. with jalap 10 to 30 grains.

HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM--RED IODIDE OF MERCURY--BINIODIDE OF MERCURY

ORIGIN.--Red iodide of mercury is obtained by dissolving in water separately bichloride of mercury and potassium iodide, and pour both solutions slowly and stirring actively.

PROPERTIES.--A scarlet-red, amorphous powder; odorless and tasteless; permanent in air, insoluble in water; soluble in one hundred and twenty-five parts of alcohol.

## ACTIONS.--Red iodide of mercury is a stimulant irritant, resolvent

pustulant antiseptic and parasiticide.

USES.--Mixed with one to eight parts of lard it is a blister used to reduce bony enlargements or bone-tumors as in splints, bone spavin, ringbone, sidebone and actinomycosis; it is also used with good results in reducing soft swellings, to arrest chronic inflammation and promote absorption of inflammatory deposits, as seen in sprained tendons, curbs, enlarged joints, bursae, etc. It is frequently used as a counter-irritant in sore throat, chronic cough and roaring. Mixed with cantharides the strength can be reduced as an irritant and less apt to permanently destroy the hair bulbs. It is used internally to arrest the growths of actinomycoses and scirrhous cord, but in those cases the benefits are derived from the potassium iodide which it contains, and I would recommend administering internally without the mercury.

HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM FLAVUM--YELLOW MERCURIC OXIDE

ORIGIN.--Yellow mercuric oxide is obtained by the interaction of mercuric chloride and sodium hydroxide.

PROPERTIES.--Mercuric oxide is of a yellow color, similar to that of the yolk of egg, and is a completely amorphous powder; odorless, and having a somewhat metallic taste; permanent in the air, but turning dark on exposure to light; insoluble in water or alcohol.

## ACTIONS.--A stimulant caustic and anesthetic.

USES.--The official ointment of yellow mercuric oxide is prescribed as a stimulant and anesthetic in chronic inflammation and ulceration of the eye (4 gr. of yellow mercuric oxide to 1 oz. of vaseline). It is also employed on skin diseases, indolent ulcers, swollen glands and granulated wounds.

HYDRASTIS--GOLDEN SEAL

The rhizome and roots of hydrastis canadensis Linne, yielding not less than 2.5 per cent of hydrastine.

HABITAT.--North America in woods west to Missouri and Arkansas.

PROPERTIES.--Externally brownish-gray to yellow-brown; fracture short, wood wedges bright yellow, pith large, light yellow, the roots thin, brittle, with a thick yellow bark and a somewhat quadrangular wood; odor distinct; taste bitter.

CONSTITUENTS.--Berberine, an alkaloid occurring in yellow crystals; hydrastine, a colorless crystalline alkaloid, soluble in alcohol and ether; canadine occurring in white, acicular crystals.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 gr. to 1 dr.

PREPARATIONS

FLUIDEXTRACTUM HYDRASTIS--FLUIDEXTRACT OF HYDRASTIS

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol, glycerin and water and evaporation.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 3 drs. to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 5 gr. to 1 dr.

TINCTURA HYDRASTIS--TINCTURE OF HYDRASTIS

Made by maceration and percolation of hydrastis, with diluted alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 drs.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 drs.

GLYCERITUM HYDRASTIS--GLYCERITE OF HYDRASTIS

Made by maceration and percolation of hydrastis, 1000 parts add water to the percolate and evaporate. Add water to the residue, set aside 24 hours and filter; add enough water to the filtrate to make 500 parts; then add glycerin 500.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 drs. to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 5 m. to 1 dr.

HYDRASTINNAE HYDROCHLORIDUM--HYDRASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE

The hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid derived from hydrastine.

PROPERTIES.--Light, yellow, amorphous granules, or a pale yellow crystalline powder; odorless and having a bitter, saline taste; deliquescent on exposure to damp air. Very soluble in cold and hot water and in alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 6 grs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ grs.; dogs, ¹⁄₁₂ to ¹⁄₄ gr.

## ACTION AND USES.--It acts like the simple bitters, promotes appetite and

aids digestion, increases nutrition and stimulates secretion, especially of the intestines and liver. It is a stomach tonic, laxative, slightly diuretic and hepatic stimulant. It is also said to promote uterine constructions, and has some power as an antispasmodic. Externally it is an antiseptic and astringent. Useful in conjunctivitis, nasal gleet and leucorrhoea; one to two drachms of the fluid extract or glycerite to the ounce of distilled water. One to two drachms of the fluidextract of hydrastis to one ounce of water is useful as a gargle for sore throat. Equal parts of fluidextract of ergot and fluidextract of hydrastis is useful in ulceration of the uterus, vagina and in eversion of the rectum. Useful internally during convalescence after debilitating diseases, as in influenza and distemper, or whenever a bitter tonic is indicated, as in dyspepsia, chronic gastric catarrh, catarrhal jaundice, constipation from chronic nephritis and chronic cystitis. The glycerite applied locally for fissure of teats, cracked heels. Where there is a tendency to constipation it should be used as a bitter in preference to gentian, etc.

IODUM--IODINE

DERIVATION.--Iodine exists in certain marine vegetables, particularly the fuci or common sea weeds, which have long been its most abundant natural source. Iodine is also found in the animal kingdom, as in the sponge, oysters, cod liver oil and eggs, and in the mineral kingdom, in sea water in small quantities, in certain salt springs. It is obtained commercially from one of these sources.