VETERINARY MATERIA MEDICA,
EMBRACING A LIST OF THE VARIOUS REMEDIES USED BY THE AUTHOR OF THIS WORK IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE ON CATTLE, SHEEP, AND SWINE.
Acacia, Catechu, or Japan Earth. It is a powerful astringent and tonic, and given, in half tea-spoonful doses, in mucilage of slippery elm or mallows, is a valuable remedy in diarrhœa, or excessive discharges of urine.
Acacia Gum makes a good mucilage, and is highly recommended in diseases of the mucous surfaces and urinary organs. It is highly nutritious, and consequently can be given with advantage in locked-jaw.
Acetum, (vinegar.) This is cooling, and a small portion of it, with an equal quantity of honey, administered in thin gruel, makes an excellent drink in fevers. Diluted with an equal quantity of water, it is employed externally in bruises and sprains. It neutralizes pestilential effluvia, and, combined with capsicum, makes a good application for sore throat.
Acid, Pyroligneous. This is one of the most valuable articles in the whole materia medica. Diluted with equal parts of water, it is applied to ill-conditioned sores and ulcers; it acts as an antiseptic and stimulant. It is obtained from wood by destructive distillation in close vessels. This acid is advantageously applicable to the preservation of animal food. Mr. William Ramsay (Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, iii. 21) has made some interesting experiments on its use for this purpose. Herrings and other fish, simply dipped in the acid and afterwards dried in the shade, were effectually preserved, and, when eaten, were found very agreeable to the taste. Herrings slightly cured with salt, by being sprinkled with it for six hours, then drained, next immersed in pyroligneous acid for a few seconds, and afterwards dried in the shade for two months, were found by Mr. Ramsay to be of fine quality and flavor. Fresh beef, dipped in the acid, in the summer season, for the short space of a minute, was perfectly sweet in the following spring. Professor Silliman states, that one quart of the acid added to the common pickle for a barrel of hams, at the time they are laid down, will impart to them the smoked flavor as perfectly as if they had undergone the common process of smoking.
Alder Bark, Black, (prinos verticillatus.) A strong decoction makes an excellent wash for diseases of the skin, in all classes of domestic animals.
Allium, (garlic.) This is used chiefly as an antispasmodic. It improves all the secretions, and promotes the function of the skin and kidneys. It is useful also to expel wind and worms. A few kernels may be chopped fine and mixed with the food. When used for the purpose of expelling worms, an ounce of the root should be boiled in a pint of milk, and given in the morning, about an hour before feeding.
Aloes. The best kind is brought from the Island of Socotra, and is supposed to be more safe in its operation than the other kinds. In consequence of the irritative properties of aloes, they are ill adapted to cattle practice; and as a safer article has been recommended, (see Physic for Cattle,) we have entirely dispensed with them.
Althea, (marshmallows.) See Remarks on Poultices.
Alum. It possesses powerful astringent properties, and, when burnt and pulverized, is useful to remove proud flesh.
Ammoniacum. Gum ammoniacum is useful for chronic coughs. The dose is two drachms daily, in a quart of gruel.
Aniseed. A good carminative in flatulent colic. The dose is about one ounce, infused in a quart of boiling water.
Anthemis, (camomile.) It is used as a tonic in derangement of the digestive organs, &c. An ounce of the flowers may be infused in a quart of water, and given when cool. It is useful also as an external application in bruises and sprains.
Ash Bark, White. This is a useful remedy in loss of cud, caused by disease of the liver. Dose, one ounce of the bark, infused in boiling water. When cool, pour off the clear liquor.
Assafœtida. This article is used as an antispasmodic. The dose is from one to two drachms, administered in thin gruel.
Balm, Lemon. See Fever Drink.
Balm of Gilead Buds. One ounce of the buds, after being infused in boiling water and strained, makes a good drink for chronic coughs.
Balmony. A good tonic and vermifuge.
Balsam, Canada, is a diuretic, and may be given in slippery elm, in doses of one table-spoonful for diseases of the kidneys.
Balsam of Copaiba, or Capivi, is useful in all diseases of the urinary organs, and, combined with powdered marshmallows and water, makes a good cough drink. Dose, half an ounce.
Baleam of Tolu. Used for the same purpose as the preceding.
Barley. Barley water, sweetened with honey, is a useful drink in fevers.
Bayberry Bark.. We have frequently prescribed this article in the preceding pages as an antiseptic and astringent for scouring and dysentery.
Bearberry, (uva ursi.) This is a popular diuretic, and is useful when combined with marshmallows. When the urine is thick and deficient in quantity, or voided with difficulty, it may be given in the following form:—
| Powdered bearberry, | 1 ounce. |
| Powdered marshmallows, | 2 ounces. |
| Indian meal, | 2 pounds. |
Mix. Dose, half a pound daily, in the cow's feed.
Bitter Root, (apocynum androsæmifolium.) Given in doses of half an ounce of the powdered bark, it acts as an aperient, and is good wherever an aperient is indicated.
Blackberry Root, (rubus trivialis.) A valuable remedy for scours in sheep.
Black Root, (leptandra virginica.) The extract is used as physic, instead of aloes. (See Physic for Cattle.) A strong decoction of the fresh roots will generally act as a cathartic on all classes of animals.
Bloodroot, (sanguinaria canadensis.) It is used in our practice as an escharotic. It acts on fungous excrescences, and is a good substitute for nitrate of silver in the dispersion of all morbid growth. One ounce of the powder, infused in boiling vinegar, is a valuable application for rot and mange.
Blue Flag, (iris versicolor.) The powdered root is a good vermifuge.
Boneset, (eupatorium perfoliatum.) This is a valuable domestic remedy. Its properties are too well known to the farming community to need any description.
Borax. This is a valuable remedy for eruptive diseases of the tongue and mouth. Powdered and dissolved in water, it forms an astringent, antiseptic wash. The usual form of prescription, in veterinary practice, is,—
| Powdered borax, | half an ounce. |
| Honey, | 2 ounces. |
Mix.
Buckthorn, (rhamnus catharticus.) A sirup made from this plant is a valuable aperient in cattle practice. The dose is from half an ounce to two ounces.
Burdock, (arctium lappa.) The leaves, steeped in vinegar, make a good application for sore throat and enlarged glands. The seeds are good to purify the blood, and may be given in the fodder.
Butternut Bark, (juglans cinerea.) Extract of butternut makes a good cathartic, in doses of half an ounce. It is much safer than any known cathartic, and, given in doses of two drachms, in hot water, combined with a small quantity of ginger, it forms a useful aperient and alterative. In a constipated habit, attended with loss of cud, it is invaluable. During the American revolution, when medicines were scarce, this article was brought into use by the physicians, and was esteemed by them an excellent substitute for the ordinary cathartics.
Calamus, (acorus calamus.) A valuable remedy for loss of cud.
Camomile. See Anthemis.
Canella Bark is an aromatic stimulant, and forms a good stomachic.
Capsicum. A pure stimulant. Useful in impaired digestion.
Caraway Seed, (carum carui.) A pleasant carminative for colic.
Cardamom Seeds. Used for the same purpose as the preceding.
Cassia Bark, (laurus cinnamomum.) Used as a diffusible stimulant in flatulency.
Catechu, (see Acacia.)
Catnip, (nepeta cataria.) An antispasmodic in colic.
Cedar Buds. An infusion of the buds makes a good vermifuge for sheep and pigs.
Charcoal. This is a valuable remedy as an antiseptic for foul ulcers, foot rot, &c.
Cleavers, (galium aparine.) The expressed juice of the herb acts on the skin and kidneys, increasing their secretions. One tea-spoonful of the juice, given night and morning in a thin mucilage of poplar bark, is an excellent remedy for dropsy, and diseases of the urinary organs. An infusion of the herb, made by steeping one ounce of the leaves and seeds in a quart of boiling water, may be substituted for the expressed juice.
Cohosh, Black, (macrotrys racemosa.) Useful in dropsy.
Coltsfoot, (tussilago farfara.) An excellent remedy for cough.
Cranesbill, (geranium maculatum.) Useful in scours, dysentery, and diarrhœa.
Dill Seed, (anethum graveolens.) Its properties are the same as caraways.
Dock, Yellow, (rumex crispus.) Good for diseases of the liver and of the skin.
Elecampane, (inula helenium.) An excellent remedy for cough and asthma, and diseases of the skin.
Elder Flowers, (sambucus canadensis.) Used as an aperient for sheep, in constipation.
Elm Bark, (ulmus fulva.) This makes a good mucilage. See Poultices.
Essence of Peppermint. Used for flatulent colic. One ounce is the usual dose for a cow. To be given in warm water.
Fennel Seed. Useful to expel wind.
Fern, Male, (aspidium felix mas.) Used as a remedy for worms.
Flaxseed. A good lubricant, in cold and catarrh, and in diseases of the mucous surfaces. It makes a good poultice.
Flower of Sulphur. This is used extensively, in veterinary practice, for diseases of the skin. It is a mild laxative.
Fumigations. For foul barns and stables, take of
| Common salt, | 4 ounces. |
| Manganese, | 1 ounce and a half. |
Let these be well mixed, and placed in a shallow earthen vessel; then pour on the mixture, gradually, sulphuric acid, four ounces. The inhalation of the gas which arises from this mixture is highly injurious; therefore, as soon as the acid is poured on, all persons should leave the building, which should immediately be shut, and not opened again for several hours. Dr. White, V. S., says, "This is the only efficacious fumigation, it having been found that when glanderous or infectious matter is exposed to it a short time, it is rendered perfectly harmless."
Galbanum. This gum is used for similar purposes as gum ammoniac and assafœtida.
Galls. They contain a large amount of tannin, and are powerfully astringent. A strong decoction is useful to arrest hemorrhage.
Garlic. See Allium.
Gentian. This is a good tonic, and is often employed to remove weakness of the stomach and indigestion.
Ginger. A pure stimulant. Ginger tea is a useful remedy for removing colic and flatulency, and is safer and better adapted to the animal economy, where stimulants are indicated, than alcoholic preparations.
Ginseng, (panax quinquefolium.) It possesses tonic and stimulant properties.
Golden Seal, (hydrastis canadensis.) A good tonic, laxative, and alterative.
Goldthread, (coptis trifolia.) A strong infusion of this herb makes a valuable application for eruptions and ulcerations of the mouth. We use it in the following form:—
| Goldthread, | 1 ounce. |
| Boiling water, | 1 pint. |
Set the mixture aside to cool; then strain, and add a table-spoonful of honey, and bathe the parts twice a day.
Grains of Paradise. A warming, diffusible stimulant.
Hardhack, (spiræa tomentosa.) Its properties are astringent and tonic. We have used it in cases of "scours" with great success. It is better adapted to cattle practice in the form of extract, which is prepared by evaporating the leaves, stems, or roots. The dose is from one scruple to a drachm for a cow, and from ten grains to one scruple and a half for a sheep, which may be given twice a day, in any bland liquid.
Honey, (mel.) Honey is laxative, stimulant, and nutritious. With vinegar, squills, or garlic, it forms a good cough mixture. Combined with tonics, it forms a valuable gargle, and a detergent for old sores and foul ulcers.
Hops, (humulus.) An infusion of hops is highly recommended in derangement of the nervous system, and for allaying spasmodic twitchings of the extremities. One ounce of the article may be infused in a quart of boiling water, strained, and sweetened with honey, and given, in half pint doses, every four hours. They are used as an external application, in the form of fomentation, for bruises, &c.
Horehound, (marrubium.) This is a valuable remedy for catarrh and chronic affections of the lungs. It is generally used, in the author's practice, in the following form: An infusion is made in the proportion of an ounce of the herb to a quart of boiling water. A small quantity of powdered marshmallows is then stirred in, to make it of the consistence of thin gruel. The dose is half a pint, night and morning. For sheep and pigs half the quantity will suffice.
Horsemint, (monarda punctata.) Like other mints, it is antispasmodic and carminative. Useful in flatulent colic.
Horseradish. The root scraped and fed to animals laboring under loss of cud, from chronic disease of the digestive organs, and general debility, is generally attended with beneficial results. If beaten into paste with an equal quantity of powdered bloodroot, it makes a valuable application for foul ulcers.
Hyssop, (hyssopus officinalis.) Hyssop tea, sweetened with honey, is useful to promote perspiration in colds and catarrh.
Indian Hemp, (apocynum cannabinum.) An infusion of this herb acts as an aperient, and promotes the secretions. It may be prepared by infusing an ounce of the powdered or bruised root in a quart of boiling water, which must be placed in a warm situation for a few hours: it should then be strained, and given in half pint doses, at intervals of six hours. A gill of this mixture will sometimes purge a sheep.
Indigo, Wild, (baptisia tinctoria.) We have made some experiments with the inner portion of the bark of this plant, and find it to be very efficacious in the cure of eruptive diseases of the mouth and tongue, lampas, and inflamed gums. A strong decoction (one ounce of the bark boiled for a few minutes in a pint of water) makes a good wash for old sores. A small quantity of powdered slippery elm, stirred into the decoction while hot, makes a good emollient application to sore teats and bruised udder.
Juniper Berries, (juniperus.) These are used in dropsical affections, in conjunction with tonics; also in diseases of the urinary organs.
Kino. This is a powerful astringent, and may be used in diarrhœa, dysentery, and red water, after the inflammatory symptoms have subsided. We occasionally use it in the following form for red water and chronic dysentery:—
| Powdered kino, | 20 grains. |
| Thin flour gruel, | 1 quart. |
To be given at a dose, and repeated night and morning, as occasion requires.
Lady's Slipper, (cypripedium pubescens.) This is a valuable nervine and antispasmodic, and has been used with great success, in my practice, for allaying nervous irritability. It is a good substitute for opium. It is, however, destitute of all the poisonous properties of the latter. Dose for a cow, half a table-spoonful of the powder, night and morning; to be given in bland fluid.
Licorice. Used principally to alleviate coughs. The following makes an excellent cough remedy:—
| Powdered licorice, | 1 ounce. |
| Balsam of Tolu, | 1 tea-spoonful. |
| Boiling water, | 1 quart. |
To be given at a dose.
Lily Root, (nymphæa odorata.) Used principally for poultices.
Lime Water. This article is used in diarrhœa, and when the discharge of urine is excessive. Being an antacid, it is very usefully employed when cattle are hoven or blown. It is unsafe to administer alone, as it often deranges the digestive organs: it is therefore very properly combined with tonics. The following will serve as an example:—
| Lime water, | 2 ounces. |
| Infusion of snakehead, (balmony,) | 2 quarts. |
Dose, a quart, night and morning.
Lobelia, (herb,) (lobelia inflata.) This is an excellent antispasmodic. It is used in the form of poultice for locked-jaw, and as a relaxant in rigidity of the muscular structure.
Mandrake, (podophyllum peltatum.) Used as physic for cattle, (which see.)
Meadow Cabbage Root, (ictodes fœtida.) This plant is used as an antispasmodic in asthma and chronic cough. Dose, a tea-spoonful of the powder, night and morning; to be given in mucilage of slippery elm.
Motherwort, (leonurus cardiaca.) A tea of this herb is valuable in protracted labor.
Mullein, (verbascum.) The leaves steeped in vinegar make a good application for sore throat.
Myrrh. The only use we make of this article, in cattle practice, is to prepare a tincture for wounds, as follows:—
| Powdered myrrh, | 2 ounces. |
| Proof spirit, | 1 pint. |
Set it aside in a close-covered vessel for two weeks, then strain through a fine sieve, and it is fit for use.
Oak Bark, (quercus alba.) A decoction of oak bark is a good astringent, and may be given internally, and also applied externally in falling of the womb or fundament.
Ointments. We have long since discontinued the use of ointments, from a conviction that they do not agree with the flesh of cattle. Marshmallows, or tincture of myrrh, will heal a wound much quicker than any greasy preparation. We have, however, often applied fresh marshmallow ointment to chapped teats, and chafed udder, with decided advantage. It is made as follows: Take of white wax, mutton tallow, and linseed oil, each a pound; marshmallow leaves, two ounces. First melt the wax and tallow, then add the oil, lastly a handful of mallows. Simmer over a slow fire until the leaves are crisp, then strain through a piece of flannel, and stir the mixture until cool.
Oleum Lini, (flaxseed oil.) This is a useful aperient and laxative in cattle practice, and may be given in all cases of constipation, provided, however, it is not accompanied with chronic indigestion: if such be the case, a diffusible stimulant, combined with a bitter tonic, (golden seal,) aided by an injection, will probably do more good, as they will arouse the digestive function. The above aperient may then be ventured on with safety. The dose for a cow is one pint.
Olive Oil. This is a useful aperient for sheep. The dose is from half a gill to a gill.
Opodeldoc. The different preparations of this article are used for strains and bruises, after the inflammatory action has somewhat subsided.
Liquid Opodeldoc.
| Soft soap, | 6 ounces. |
| New England rum, | 1 pint and a half. |
| Vinegar, | half a pint. |
| Oil of lavender, | 2 ounces |
The oil of lavender should first be dissolved in an equal quantity of alcohol, and then added to the mixture.
Pennyroyal, (hedeoma.) This plant, administered in warm infusion, promotes perspiration, and is good in flatulent colic.
Peppermint, (mentha piperita.) An ounce of the herb infused in a quart of boiling water relieved spasmodic pains of the stomach and bowels, and is a good carminative, (to expel wind,) provided the alimentary canal is free from obstruction.
Plantain Leaves, (plantago major.) This article is held in high repute for the cure of hydrophobia and bites from poisonous reptiles. The bruised leaves are applied to the parts; the powdered herb and roots to be given internally at discretion.
Pleurisy Root, (asclepias tuberosa.) We have given this article a fair trial in cattle practice, and find it to be invaluable in the treatment of catarrh, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and consumption. The form in which we generally prescribe it is,—
| Powdered pleurisy root, | half a table-spoonful. |
| Powdered marshmallow roots, | 1 ounce. |
Boiling water sufficient to make a thin mucilage. The addition of a small quantity of honey increases its diaphoretic properties.
Pomegranate, (punica granatum.) The rind of this article is a powerful astringent, and is occasionally used to expel worms. A strong decoction makes a useful wash for falling of the womb, or fundament. Given as an infusion, in the proportion of half an ounce of the rind to a quart of water, it will arrest diarrhœa.
Poplar, (populus tremuloides.) It possesses tonic, demulcent, and alterative properties. It is often employed, in our practice, as a local application, in the form of poultice. The infusion is a valuable remedy in general debility, and in cases of diseased urinary organs.
Prince's Pine, (chimaphila.) This plant is a valuable remedy in dropsy. It possesses diuretic and tonic properties. It does not produce the same prostration that usually attends the administration of diuretics, for its tonic property invigorates the kidneys, while, at the same time, it increases the secretion of urine. The best way of administering it is by decoction. It is made by boiling four ounces of the fresh-bruised leaves in two quarts of water. After straining, a table-spoonful of powdered marshmallows may be added, to be given in pint doses, night and morning.
Pyroligneous Acid. See Acid.
Raspberry Leaves, (rubus strigosus.) An infusion of this plant may be employed with great advantage in cases of diarrhœa.
Roman Wormwood, (ambrosia artemisifolia.) This plant is a very bitter tonic, and vermifuge. An infusion may be advantageously given in cases of general debility and loss of cud. A strong decoction may be given to sheep and pigs that are infested with worms. If given early in the morning, and before the animals are fed, it will generally have the desired effect.
Rose, Red, (rosa gallica.) We have occasionally used the infusion, and find it of great value as a wash for chronic ophthalmia. The infusion is made by pouring a pint of boiling water on a quarter of an ounce of the flowers. It is then strained through fine linen, when it is fit for use.
Sassafras, (laurus sassafras.) The bark of sassafras root is stimulant, and possesses alterative properties. We have used it extensively, in connection with sulphur, for eruptive diseases, and for measles in swine, in the following proportions:—
| Powdered sassafras, | 1 ounce. |
| Powdered sulphur, | half a table-spoonful. |
Mix, and divide into four parts, one of which may be given, night and morning, in a hot mash.
The pith of sassafras makes a valuable soothing and mucilaginous wash for inflamed eyes.
Senna A safe and efficient aperient for cattle may be made by infusing an ounce of senna in a quart of boiling water. When cool, strain, then add, manna one ounce, powdered golden seal one tea-spoonful. The whole to be given at a dose.
Skullcap, (scutellaria lateriflora.) This is an excellent nervine and antispasmodic. It is admirably adapted to the treatment of locked-jaw, and derangement of the nervous system. An ounce of the leaves may be infused in two quarts of boiling water. After straining, a little honey may be added, and then administered, in pint doses, every four hours.
Snakeroot, Virginia, (aristolochia serpentaria.) This article, given by infusion in the proportion of half an ounce of the root to a pint of water, acts as a stimulant and alterative. It is admirably adapted to the treatment of chronic indigestion.
Soap. This article acts on all classes of animals, as a laxative and antacid. It is useful in obstinate constipation of the bowels, in diseases of the liver, and for softening hardened excrement in the rectum. By combining castile soap with butternut, blackroot, golden seal, or balmony, a good aperient is produced, which will generally operate on the bowels in a few hours.
Squill, (scilla maritima.) A tea-spoonful of the dried root, given in a thin mucilage of marshmallows, is an excellent remedy for cough, depending on an irritability of the lungs and mucous surfaces.
Sulphur. This is one of the most valuable articles in the veterinary materia medica. It possesses laxative, diaphoretic and alterative properties, and is extensively employed, both internally and externally, for diseases of the skin. The dose for a cow is a tea-spoonful daily. Its alterative effect may be increased by combining it with sassafras, (which see.)
Sunflower, Wild, (helianthus divaricatus.) The seeds of this plant, when bruised and given it any bland fluid, act as a diuretic and antispasmodic. Half a table-spoonful of the seeds may be given at a dose, and repeated as occasion requires.
Tolu, Balsam of. This balsam is procured by making incisions into the trunk of a tree which flourishes in Tolu and Peru. It has a peculiar tendency to the mucous surfaces, and therefore is very properly prescribed for epizoötic diseases of catarrhal nature. The dose is half a table-spoonful every night, to be administered in a mucilage of marshmallows. One half the quantity is sufficient for a sheep.
Vinegar. See Acetum.
Witch Hazel Bark, (hamamelis virginica.) A decoction of this bark is a valuable application for falling of the fundament, or womb. Being a good astringent, an infusion of the leaves is good for scouring in sheep.
Wormseed, (chenopodium anthelminticum.) A tea-spoonful of the powdered seeds, given in a tea of snakeroot, is a good vermifuge: it will, however, require repeated doses, and they should be given at least an hour before the morning meal.