Alteratives

Medicines which, without producing any considerable or immediate sensible operation, and without interfering with food or work, effect a slow change in the diseased action of certain parts, so as gradually to restore a healthy state.

Carbonate or Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia

Volatile Salts. Stimulant and antacid. Dose 1 dr. to 2 dr. [Moiroud says from 2 to 8 dr.] to horses in tympanitis, and the last stage of pneumonia. To cattle, in hoven (distension from the fermentation of green food), 1 to 4 dr. [Moiroud says to 12 dr.]. The solution of carbonate of ammonia has the same properties as the spirit of hartshorn, which see.

Aeomatic Spirit of Ammonia

Properties as the last. Dose 1/2 oz. to 1 oz.; or to cattle in hoven, 2 to 4 oz.

Liquid Ammonia

Water of ammonia is more pungent and stimulant than the carbonate, and is used for the same purposes, particularly in tympanitis and hoven, largely diluted with water or some aromatic infusion; but it is chiefly used externally in stimulating liniments; also both internally and outwardly as an antidote to the bite of vipers. The dose of common water of ammonia may be from 2 to 6 dr.; or for cattle to 2 ounces diluted. For small animals from 5 dr. to 1 1/2 dr. diluted. The vapour from the liquid ammonia (applied by holding an open bottle containing it, to the eye) is used for the relief of amaurosis and other chronic affections of the eye.

Acetate of Ammonia

See Acetate of Ammonia.

Muriate of Ammonia

See Muriate of Ammonia.

Gum Ammoniacum

In properties this gum resin is very similar to Assafoetida, but not quite so active. It is occasionally used for the same purposes, and as a constituent of various charges and plasters. Dose, for a horse, 2 to 4 dr. Cattle, 2 to 4 dr. Sheep, 1/2 to 1 1/2 dr. Pig, 1/2 to 1 1/2 dr. Dog, 10 to 20 grains.

Analeptics

Medicines or food which restore exhausted strength.

Angelica

The root in powder or infusion, is a warm tonic. Dose, 1/2 oz. to 2 oz.

Aniseed

This warm seed is used as a cordial, carminative, and pectoral. Dose, for the horse, 1/2 oz. to 1 oz.; or 1/2 dr. of the essential oil. The latter is often added to purgatives to prevent griping. Cattle take 1 to 2 oz. of the powdered seeds. The oil is said to be poisonous to pigeons.

Anodynes

Medicines which alleviate pain. Opium is chiefly employed for this purpose.

Antimonials

The preparations of antimony (besides their effect in producing vomiting in carnivorous animals) are considered to have a special action on the skin and lungs. They are also termed resolvent, and purifiers of the blood, and are supposed to be useful in visceral and glandular obstructions, farcy, etc. Mr. Blaine says "they lessen arterial action without operating very sensibly either in nauseating the stomach or greatly relaxing the skin." Some writers attribute diuretic effects to them. They are also said to promote condition. Pigs are supposed to fatten under their use. The principal antimonial preparations employed in veterinary practice are mentioned below.