The freshly grated nut has advantages over the powder, more especially if the latter has been kept in stock for a considerable time, as usually happens where the demand for a certain drug is limited. When combined with santonin, its action on round-worms is greatly enhanced.
Areca nut, santonin, and male fern, are now all sold in capsular form, thus diminishing their nauseating effects.
The average dose of areca nut for such breeds as Pointers, Setters, Retrievers, Fox and other Hounds, is a drachm and a half, combined with 8 grains of santonin, and given as a bolus mixed with honey, treacle, etc., or in a little milk, though less liable to be vomited when given without any liquid.
About three hours afterwards give a full dose of castor oil.
Repeat weekly, for a month if needful. A course of tonic medicine may then follow, so as to brace up the constitution.
Such substances as powdered glass and other mechanical irritants ought to be avoided, being liable to set up gastro-enteritis. Powdered tin, glass, etc., belong to this class. Calomel, hellebore, pomegranate bark, spirit of turpentine, Barbadoes tar, garlic, wormwood, Kousso, Kamala, etc., have been, and still are, much used, and abused.
Whatever be the drug employed, it is advisable to isolate dog both before and after dosing, so that the results can be properly noted.
Through neglect of this precaution, many failures or indifferent results arise.
The indiscriminate employment of worm medicines is but too frequently resorted to, and may further deplete an already exhausted system.
In many instances, a course of iron and arsenic tonics, followed by cod-liver oil and malt, does more good than the administration of anti-worm remedies.