130 Veterinary Medicine. 



In using purgatives those are usually the best whic^^h lead to 

 drinking abundantl}'. For the ox a pound each of Epsom and 

 common table salt, with an antiseptic stimulant like aqua am- 

 monia (3 to 4 drachms) or oil of turpentine (2 oz.) will often 

 act favorably. The sodium chloride is antiseptic, and induces 

 ardent thirst and if there is free access to water, tepid or not too 

 cold, purgation is early secured and the impacted cakes in the 

 manifolds are slowly softened, detached and removed. But un- 

 less water is given freely the salt will prove irritating and even 

 injurious. 



In obstinate cases, and in the absence of indications of gastric 

 or cerebral congestion the addition of 20 croton beans or 20 drops 

 of croton oil will be excellent. Nux vomica ()'2 drachm) is also 

 of value in rousing the torpid nervous action. Injections 

 are always in order, and it is recommended to use these 

 cold so as to rouse the muscular action of the intestine and 

 stomach. 



Some of the newer remedies which rouse the contractility of 

 the digestive organs and at the same time stimulate secretion 

 serve an excellent purpose in these cases. Eserine i ]'2 grain, 

 veratrine i grain, barium chloride 10 to 15 grains, or pilocarpin 

 3 grains may be given hypodermically in addition to the usual 

 purgative. The pilocarpin is theoretically the best as its tendency 

 is to cause free secretion from all mucous surfaces, and even a 

 slight secretion from the omasal folds will greatly favor detach- 

 ment and discharge of the impacted plates. These as well as 

 the stimulants may be repeated as the effects pass off. The pur- 

 gatives on the other hand should be given at first in a large dose, 

 and not repeated except under the stress of necessity' as their 

 constant repetition in small doses seems to nauseate the animal 

 and even to retard action. In the case of profuse secretion from 

 the kidneys however it may be supposed that the .saline agents 

 have passed off in that way and a purgative may be safely re- 

 peated. It may be well however to use one which is less likely 

 to stimulate the kidney, such as castor, olive, or raw linseed oil 

 or senna. 



The patient may be several days or even a week without alvine 

 discharge and yet do well. If there are fever and other indica- 

 tions of ga.stric congestion a blister to the right hypochondrium 



