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.
Digitalis.—A valuable sedative medicine in cases of fever.
Epsom Salts.—A very useful and efficient purgative, suitable to most cases of common occurrence. From half an ounce to an ounce and a half may be ordinarily given.
Gentian.—An excellent stomachic; every aperient draught should contain a portion of this or the next-mentioned matter.
Ginger.—Also a good stomachic, and a tonic as well. From three scruples to a drachm and a half may be given of this and the preceding drug.
Linseed Oil.—Valuable as an occasional purgative, especially where there is much intestinal inflammation.
Mercurial Ointment.—Used for mange and scabs, in conjunction with the sulphur ointment. The proportions are one part of the former to eight parts of the latter.
Nitre.—An excellent cooling medicine in all cases where there is tendency to fever. From one to two drachms may be given dissolved in the water the animal drinks.
Palm Oil.—The best emollient to form the basis of all ointments for cutaneous eruptions.
Salt.—A valuable adjunct in purifying the blood, and maintaining the animals in good condition. A small quantity should be regularly mingled with the food.
Sulphur.—A good cooling medicine, and the best gentle aperient for ordinary use we have. It also constitutes the chief ingredient in mange-ointment.
Tartar Emetic.—Useful as an emetic.
Vinegar.—Valuable in all cases requiring cooling fomentations.
Tobacco.—A decoction of this plant efficacious and soothing in cases of mange and cutaneous eruptions, especially when mingled with equal parts of digitalis.
Turpentine.—A destructive agent in cases of worms: it may be given to swine without danger.