DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES. 57 



the case is of much service in diagnosing the trouble. The treatment 

 consists in the administration of hixatives. One may give 1 quart of 

 raw linseed oil and follow it the next day with 1 pound of Glauber's 

 salts dissolved in a quart of warm water. Strychnia may be given in 

 doses of 1 grain two or three times daily. If the stagnant mass of 

 feces is in the rectum, it must be removed with the hand. 



Abiiormal growths, such as tumors or fibrous tissue, producing 

 contraction or stricture may be causes of obstruction. The colic 

 caused by these conditions is chron-ic. The attacks occur at gradually 

 shortening intervals and become progressively more severe. Helief is 

 afforded by the use of purgatives that render the feces soft and thin 

 and thus enable them to i^ass the obstruction. But in time the con- 

 tracted place is likely to close so far that passage is impossible and 

 the horse will die. 



(3) Flatulent colic (tympanitic colic, wind colic, or bloat). — 

 Among the most frequent causes of this form of colic are to be men- 

 tioned sudden changes of food, too long fasting, food then given 

 while the animal is exhausted, new hay or grain, large quantities of 

 green food, food that has lain in the manger for some time and become 

 sour, indigestible food, irregular teeth, crib-biting, and, in fact, any- 

 thing that produces indigestion may produce flatulent colic. 



The symptoms of wind colic are not so suddenly developed nor so 

 severe as those of cramp colic. At first the horse is noticed to be dull, 

 ])aws slightly, and maj^ or may not lie down. The pains from the 

 start are continuous. The belly enlarges, and by striking it in front 

 of the haunches a drumlike sound results. If not soon relieved the 

 above symptoms are aggravated, and in addition there are noticed 

 difficult breathing, bloodshot eyes, and red mucous membranes, loud 

 tumultuous heart beat, profuse perspiration, trembling of front legs, 

 sighing respiration, staggering from side to side, and, finally, plung- 

 ing forward dead. The diagnostic symptom of flatulent colic is the 

 distention of the bowels with gas, detected by the bloated appearance 

 and resonance on percussion. 



The treatment for wind colic differs very materially from that of 

 cramp colic. Absorbents are of some service, and charcoal may be 

 given in any quantity. Relaxants and antispasmodics are also bene- 

 ficial in this form of colic. Chloral hydrate not only possesses these 

 qualities, but it also is an antiferment and a pain reliever. It is then 

 particularly well adapted to the treatment of wind colic, and should 

 be given in the same-sized doses and in the manner directed for spas- 

 modic colic. Diluted alcohol or whiskji^ may be given, or aromatic 

 spirits of ammonia in 1 -ounce doses at short intervals. 



A physic should always be given in flatulent colic as early as possi- 

 ble, the best being Barbados aloes in the dose already mentioned. 

 Injections, per rectum, of turpentine 1 to 2 ounces, linseed oil 8 ounces, 

 may be given frequently to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the 



