The two common salts used for live stock are Epsom and Glauber. Epsom salts are most frequently used, the chief action being as a physic. Aloes take the places of salts for horses, as it is believed these are much better than the mineral salts. In giving salts to cattle, the drench is most satisfactory.
Dose: Use 1 quart of warm water in which place 1 tablespoonful of ginger and 1 tablespoonful of common soda. To this add 1 pint to 11⁄2 pints of salts and dissolve by shaking or stirring. For sheep and pigs, one-quarter of this amount is sufficient.
SULPHUR
This yellow powder is well known and is a great medicine when given internally. It acts on the blood and purifies it. It is excellent also for killing parasites or germs in the skin, hence it is good for all diseases. When used internally it is best to combine with gentian root. Give once a day for a short period.
Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 tablespoonful; sheep and pigs, 1 teaspoonful.
SOME COMMON PRESCRIPTIONS
Colic Mixture.
—Laudanum, 16 tablespoonfuls; aromatic spirits of ammonia, 12 tablespoonfuls; sulphuric ether, 2 tablespoonfuls; tincture of aconite, 10 drops; ginger, 16 tablespoonfuls. Dissolve in a pint of water. From 10 to 20 tablespoonfuls of this can be given in one-half pint of water. If relief is not secured, repeat in a half hour, follow with a third dose, then with another, giving the doses one-half to one hour apart.
Fly Blister.
—Powdered cantharides, 2 teaspoonfuls; gum camphor powdered, 2 tablespoonfuls; lard, 8 tablespoonfuls. After thoroughly mixing, rub in 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the severity of the blister desired.