COLIC AND INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 265 



tity of food at one time, especially after a long fast, when the stomach is 

 always weak, is apt to produce irritation and spasmodic affections of the 

 intestines. In horses which are predisposed to colic, such as those which 

 are light in the loins or " washy " in colour, very slight causes are 

 sufficient to bring on an attack. 



539. Termination of Colic. 



Colic as a general rule ends favorably after a few hours in resolution ; 

 but it may induce intussusception or rupture of the diaphragm, from 

 either of which terminations a fatal result will ensue ; or it may continue 

 until inflammation of the muscular and mucous membranes of the intes- 

 tines, otherwise called enteritis, supervenes ; or in rare cases it may of 

 itself cause death. 



540. Treatment of Colic. 



Having now considered the nature and causes of the disease, we have 

 obtained some clue to its treatment. In the first place, the cause of the 

 spasmodic attack should, if possible, be ascertained, and every care 

 taken to remove it and prevent its occurrence in future. In the mean- 

 time, to alleviate the present symptoms, the belly must be well rubbed. 

 Friction will give relief both by increasing the vermicular motion of tfye 

 intestines, which is temporarily arrested by spasm, and also by drawing 

 the blood from the interior to the surface. Wisps of fresh clean straw 

 will answer for this purpose. The legs should be well rubbed and 

 wrapped in flannel bandages, and the heat of the body generally must 

 be maintained by warm clothing. Ammonia liniment may also be 

 rubbed on the abdomen. 



As regards medicinal treatment, many prescriptions of a varied nature 

 are recommended by different practitioners. 



The administration of a diffusible stimulant combined with an ano- 

 dyne, at the commencement of an attack of colic, will frequently cut it 

 short. Two ounces of the spirit of nitrous ether, with one ounce of 

 tincture of opium, and half an ounce of the aromatic spirit of ammonia, 

 given in a pint of warm water or gruel, makes an excellent colic draught. 

 Or two ounces of oil of turpentine with one ounce of tincture of opium 

 may be given in twelve ounces of linseed oil, or in a pint of thick gruel. 

 Few remedies, however, exceed the sedative effect of camphor combined 

 with nitric ether, a drachm and a half of the former to an ounce of the 

 latter mixed with twelve ounces of water. 



The stimulant rouses the bowels to increased action, while the anodyne 

 allays pain, and frequently the spasm is overcome by the combined 

 action of these agents very rapidly. 



In Flatulent Colic, i. e. where the intestines are distended with gas or 

 " blown out," a draught composed of one drachm each of camphor and 

 powdered opium, with a drachm or drachm and a half of carbonate of 

 ammonia, will be found useful. 



Enemata, otherwise called Clysters, should be given in all cases of 



