Crude Antimony

Black (or sesqui-) Sulphuret of Antimony. Sulphide of Antimony. Diaphoretic and alterative. The levigated (prepared antimony) is to be preferred. Given to horses in doses of from 2 to 6 dr., with nitre and sulphur, in surfeit, hide-bound, and other shin diseases; and to improve the coat. Mr. Youatt says the dose should not exceed 4 dr. For cattle, the dose is sometimes increased to 2 or 3 oz. Dogs take from 10 to 30 grams. Hogs, a drachm or more, daily.

Liver of Antimony

Hepar Antimonii and Crocus of Antimony (Crocus Metallorum) are occasionally used in veterinary practice; but are uncertain in their composition and action. Dose, 1 to 2 dr. Mr. Clark says these compounds, and the glass of antimony, derange the stomach, but that it is doubtful if they have any other effect.

Calx of Antimony

Diaphoretic. Dose, 2 to 4 dr.

Antimonial Powder

Similar to James's powder. Diaphoretic. In colds, fevers, inflammations, etc. Dose, for horses or cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; swine, 6 grains; dogs, from 2 to 5 grains. Less efficient than Emetic Tartar.

Precipitated Sulphturet of Antimony

Oxysulphuret of Antimony. Dose, 1/2 dr. to 2 dr. in obstinate skin diseases.

Tartarised Antimony

Emetic Tartar, Tartrated Antimony. Diaphoretic, expectorant, and reduces arterial action. It is also regarded as diuretic and febrifuge. Dose, 1/2 dr. to 1 1/2 dr. in gruel, 3 times a day, in fevers, in inflammation of the lungs, and catarrhal affections. To destroy worms, 2 dr. may be given with powdered tin, or some other mechanical vermifuge, fasting, and followed by aloes; or 1 dr. for 6 mornings, followed on the 7th by a dose of physic. Mr. White says he has not seen any good effect from it as a vermifuge. Cattle require from 1/2 dr. to 1 dr. Sheep from 10 to 20 gr. To swine and dogs it is emetic: the former require from 2 to 5 gr.; the latter, from 1 to 3 gr. Externally it produces an eruption on the skin. Formed into an ointment with lard, it has been rubbed on externally in chest affections, but is dangerously irritant.

Butter of Antimony

Chloride, or Perchloride of Antimony. Used externally only, as a caustic in canker, etc.

Antiperiodics

Remedies against those diseases which return at regular intervals, as agues.

Antiseptics

Remedies which counteract putrefaction.

Antispasmodics

Medicines which relieve spasm, as opium, ether, camphor, ammonia, ardent spirits, etc.

Areca Seeds

Areca Nut. Betel Nut. The seeds, or kernels of the fruit of the catechu or betel-nut palm. Astringent; given for worms, especially in dogs. For horses, 4 to 6 dr.; cattle, 4 to 8 dr.; dogs, 30 gr. to 2 dr. Should be made into a bolus. More effectual in coarse than in fine powder.

Arnica

Nervine, sedative and diaphoretic. 40 to 60 gr. of the powdered plant (the flowers in preference) have been given twice a day for paralysis, amaurosis, rheumatism, blows, or falls, etc. A decoction may be used outwardly as a fomentation to bruises, wounds, etc.

Aristolochia

See Birthwort.

Arsenic

White Arsenic, or Arsenious Acid. Very poisonous to all animals. In small doses, tonic and alterative, - but its operation requires to be carefully watched. It has been given, in doses of 2 gr., gradually increased to 20, in farcy and glanders. Externally, is a caustic, but dangerous and unmanageable. Used in solution to destroy vermin in cattle and sheep; but it is not free from danger, Mr. Youatt remarks - " We have better and safer tonics, and better and safer caustics." The best antidotes are, moist hydrated oxide of iron, and calcined magnesia, in very large quantities, or a mixture of lime water and linseed oil.