CHAPTER XV.
The Medicines used in combating the Maladies of Swine.
The medicines generally used in the treatment of swine are neither numerous nor complicated. There are, doubtless, many others, besides those enumerated in the following list, which might be employed with advantage, and which will, as the diseases of these domesticated animals become more studied, be discovered and made use of.
The caution requisite in the administration of all medicines has been already alluded to in Chapter X.; force should as seldom as possible be had recourse to.
It must be borne in mind that the doses here given are taken on the average, and must always be proportioned to the size, and constitution, and state of health of the animal. In all cases of actual disease, the best and most economical plan will be to have recourse to some good veterinary surgeon within reach. The life of many a valuable animal will thus be saved, for the mere amateur in surgery is always liable to blunder in the choice of remedies, as well as in the application of them, and will often create evils far greater than those he is endeavoring to cure.
Antimony.—Seldom given by itself. In conjunction with sulphur, forms an efficient cooling and cleansing medicine; and with sulphur and hog's lard, or palm or train-oil, constitutes the common mange-ointment.
Arsenic.—Useful in mange, and other cases of diseases of the skin. From one ounce to an ounce and a half, dissolved in a gallon of water, will form a solution of sufficient strength.
Calomel.—A dangerous drug, and one better left alone. In cases of emergency, however, it may be given in conjunction with an equal portion of tartarized antimony. From two to three grains of each will constitute an active emetic.
Creosote.—Useful in cases of virulent cutaneous eruptions.
Croton Oil.—A powerful purgative, and one that should only be had recourse to in cases of obstinate constipation. From one to three drops may be given.
