DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES 



The intestines are more subject to disease than the 

 stomach. They are of far greater bulk, the part they 

 perform in the process of digestion is more complex, and 

 the aliment remains in them much longer, so that any- 

 thing hurtful it may contain has a better chance to de- 

 velop itself. Further, owing to their great length, tortu- 

 osities, and difference in shape and size, concretions are 

 more likely to form within and obstruct them. Again, 

 owing to their worm-like movements, one is liable to get 

 twisted or knotted, which may cause death. Some intes- 

 tinal diseases are acute and rapid in their course ; others 

 are so mild and insidious that they are not noticed — or, 

 if noticed, not till it is too late. Kemedies must be given 

 promptly. 



SPASMODIC COLIC 



Is caused by spasm or cramp of some part or parts of 

 the intestinal tube. The tube, by means of its muscular 

 coat, possesses self-contracting power, which enables it to 

 propel its contents onward from the stomach. When the 

 contraction is such as to cause spasm or cramp, spasmodic, 

 colic follows. The tube is usually contracted to a third 

 or a fourth or more of its natural diameter, and at inter- 

 vals of two, three, or four inches. Sometimes they arc 

 one, two, or three feet apart. The usual seat of cramp 

 is the small intestines, but the large ones are not exempt. 



According to Gamgee, who is corroborated by Williams, 

 colic is caused by an irritant in the intestinal canal, and 

 is best treated by purgatives and injections. Pain and 

 spasm are only symptoms, 



