Assafoetida

Stimulant, antispasmodic, and expectorant. It is prescribed in nervous affections and chronic coughs; also in farcy and worms; and to increase the appetite and digestion. The dose is 1/2 dr. to 2 dr.; but, according to Moiroud, may be carried to 2 oz. for the horse, and 2 or 3 oz. for horned cattle. Externally, it is applied to indolent tumours, etc.

Astringents

Medicines which produce a more obvious and decided constriction of the muscular fibres than the simple tonics.

Atropia

A crystallizable alkaloid obtained from Belladonna root. A most potent poison. When taken internally it excites the capillary circulation, and acts as a general anodyne, and also as a diuretic. The sulphate is the most convenient form for use. The dose, in bolus or solution, for horses or cattle is 1 to 2 gr.; for sheep, about 1/10th of a gr.; for dogs, 1/30th to 1/20th of a gr. One tenth of these quantities suffice when the medicine is used sub-cutaneously.

Balsams

Natural balsams appear to act on the mucous membrane generally; but are chiefly given as diuretics and expectorants. See Balsam of Canada, Copaiva, Peru, etc.

Balsam of Canada

Diuretic. Dose, 1/2 oz. to 1 oz.

Balsam of Copaiva

As a diuretic to horses, 1/2 oz. to 1 oz.; as an expectorant in chronic coughs, 1 or 2 dr. For dogs, 1/2 dr. to 1 dr.

Fryar's Balsam

Comp. Tincture of Benzoin. It is sometimes given in 1/2-oz. doses to horses, in chronic cough, mixed with yolk of egg, gruel, or linseed tea. But more frequently applied to wounds, indolent ulcers, etc.

Balsam of Locatelli

Dose, 1/2 oz. in old coughs.

Balsam of Tolu, and of Peru

2 dr. in old coughs; but too expensive.

Balsam of Sulphur

A stimulating expectorant in old coughs, in doses of 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. Sometimes used as an outward application.

Barbadoes Tar

Stimulant, diuretic, and expectorant. Dose, 1 to 4 dr. or more [2 to 4 ounces - Morton], in old coughs and chronic chest affections. Externally in skin diseases, wounds, grease, etc.

Bark Peruvian

Tonic, astringent, antiseptic, and anti-periodic. Dose, for a horse, 6 or 8 dr. [to 2 or 3 oz. - Moiroud] in diabetes, general weakness, a tendency to gangrene, etc. To small animals, 1 or 2 dr. Applied also to indolent and foul ulcers.

Barley

The decoction (of Scotch or pearled barley in preference) is given as an emollient, demulcent, or diluent drink in inflammatory diseases; more frequently as a vehicle for more active remedies.

Baryta

All its compounds are poisonous. The following closes have been given in farcy and glanders: - Chloride of Barium, 20 gr. gradually increased to 60; pure baryta, 10 to 20 gr.; carbonate 1 to 4 gr. A dog was killed by 15 gr.

Yellow and Black Basilicon

Resin Cerate. See Vet. Formulary (Digestive Ointments).

Bay Berries

Stomachic and carminative. An ingredient in diapente, but rarely given alone. Dose of the powdered berries, 1/2 oz., or of the oil of bays, 1/2 dr. to a dr. The leaves are used in fomentations.

Belladonna

Deadly Nightshade. Narcotic and sedative. Dose of the extract from 1 to 4 dr. in diseases where there is undue action of the nervous and vascular systems [Mayor]. M. Moiroud directs from 6 to 8 dr. of the powder. For dogs, from 2 to 8 gr. of the powder. The extract is also applied to the eye, to dilate the pupil.