=Other Observations.=--You should feel the heart to know if it is natural or not, or to see if any of the valves are broken, or if some inflammation has been back of the trouble. The sides of the open cavity should be observed before leaving. Is it spotted, speckled? Are pink spots seen about the ribs? This is an indication of hog cholera, and in itself may lead to a correct interpretation of the disease. CHAPTER VII Common Medicines and Their Actions The common medicines used in treating farm animals are named in the following list, together with origin, action, use, and dose. ACONITE Tincture of aconite is derived from the root of a plant. When used, the heart beats more slowly and the blood pressure is decreased, making the medicine desirable in cases of inflammation. Dose: For horses and cattle, from 10 to 30 drops, and sheep and hogs 5 to 10 drops. ALOES This is usually bought in a powder form. It is brown in color and bitter in taste. Considerable time transpires before action in the bowels takes place. Allow at least 24 hours. It is a physic and blood purifier. Dose: For horses, 4 to 5 tablespoonfuls; cattle, 4 to 8 tablespoonfuls; sheep, 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls; and pigs, 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls. ALUM This mineral salt is used in washes for sore mouth and throat, and cleansing wounds. It may be dusted into wounds in powder form, and is both drying and healing. Dose: Use a tablespoonful to a pint of water. ANISEED This preparation is made from dried berries and ground. It stimulates digestion, sweetens the stomach, and serves as a tonic and appetite maker. Dose: For horses and cattle, a tablespoonful, and for sheep and pigs, a teaspoonful. ARNICA For wounds, sprains, and bruises, tincture of arnica is both cooling and restful. It is made from the dried flowers of a plant, and is for external use. Apply three or four times daily. ARSENIC This medicine comes from the mineral kingdom and is very powerful. In using better get it in some standard medicinal form such as Fowler’s Solution. It is used as a tonic when the stomach is bad and the system run down. Dose: Fowler’s Solution; for horses and cattle, 2 tablespoonfuls; sheep, 1 teaspoonful; pigs, one-half teaspoonful. In giving to stock mix with 4 tablespoonfuls of whiskey, and either use as a drench or add to mash or gruel. BELLADONNA This is a tincture made from a plant. When used it soothes, softens, and relaxes the parts to which applied. It checks inflammation and relieves pain, but must be carefully used. Dose: For horses and cattle, 1 teaspoonful; sheep, 10 drops; pigs, 5 drops. BUTTER OF ANTIMONY This preparation, taken from a mineral, is not used internally. It is a powerful caustic. Its principal use is for curing thrush in horses’ feet. [Illustration: TETANUS BACILLI How the germs look under the microscope. The poison produced by them is one of the most violent known in disease.] BROMIDE OF POTASSIUM