TKEATMENT. 381 



accessible to medicinal agents, it is, as regards secretion, the 

 most potent and far-reacliing in its influence of any organ in 

 the body. To ensure an active movement and complete 

 emptying of the bowels there is nothing so good as a full dose 

 of aloes. It is better given in bolus than solution, seeing we are 

 more certain of the quantity given ; it annoys the animal less, 

 and it acts quicker, -f^ Should there be much irritation or fever, 

 good will result from the administration every two or three 

 hours of a little saline febrifuge, as liquor ammonia acetatis 

 with chlorate of potash^ This will in all likelihood be taken 

 in the drinking-water, which should not be restricted, and 

 thus obviate the necessity of drenching, which in such con- 

 ditions is to be avoided if possible. 



Should the muscular spasms be severe they will most likely 

 induce irritability and restlessness, in which cases I have seen 

 much benefit from the local use of warmth and moisture, 

 carried out by means of woollen cloths wrung from warm water 

 and laid across the loins. I am aware this treatment is rather 

 looked upon unfavourably by some ; but, from experience, I am 

 compelled to view it in a different light. It seems to relieve 

 local irritability, to soothe and calm the system generally, and 

 in this way favourably influence the course of the disease. In 

 cases where the horse is unable to stand, it will be needful to 

 ensure his safety, as far as possible, by having him laid in a 

 comfortable and roomy box or shed, and by taking precautions 

 that, in throwing himself about, damage is not sustained. When 

 thus prostrate it is always advantageous to remove the urine 

 at intervals through means of the catheter, by which also the 

 bladder may be washed out with tepid water. It will generally 

 be needful to assist the animal in attempts to drink, and to ob- 

 tain a change of position at least once in twelve hours. In 

 cases that do well, following the action of the cathartic and the 

 discontinuance of the febrifuges, a little diuretic may be given, 

 alternated with a bolus composed of some vegetable tonics : 

 as — 1^. Pulv. Kux^JVomic., 5ss. to 5i. ; Pulv. deatian Kad^JBiily. 

 Zingiber, aa. jiL ; Te rebint. Aenet.^ Pulv. Lini., aa^ q.s^_^._fiat 

 bolus. In the course of three or four days, unless the first dose 

 of opening medicine has acted excessively, it will be advisable 

 to give a little more aloes. Should there be weakness and want 

 of appetite after the first dose of purging medicine, it is good to 



