534 SEDATIVES, ANTISPASMODICS AND COLIC. 



SEDATIVES. 



" Aconite is a prompt and effectual sedative in fibrile attacks and in 

 acute inflammation. It moderates and lessens the action of the heart, and 

 hence reduces the quantity of blood which passes in a given time to any 

 part. It has the advantage of not reducing the strength like loss of blood. 

 In large doses it is highly poisonous; but the tincture may be safely given 

 in doses of from ten to twenty drops frequently until the pulse is relieved." 



ANTISPASMODICS. 



"Antispasmodics are medicines which act upon the brain and nerves 

 and through them on the system generally. By their action they overcome 

 inordinate muscular action, such as spasms. 



"They usually consist of a narcotic in combination with a diffusible 

 stimulant and a slight purgative. An antispasmodic draught may be made of 



Spirits of nitrous ether 2 ozs. 



Tincture of opium . . . . . . i oz. 



Solution of aloes . . . . . 4 to 5 ozs. 



or, 



Oil of turpentine 2 to 3 ozs. 



Tincture of opium 2 oz. 



Linseed oil i pint." 



F. Fitzwygram, "Horses and Stables" p. 149 et seq. 



COLIC. 



Colic is either caused by spasmodic contraction of the 

 muscular tissues of the intestines or by the latter being un- 

 duly distended in consequence of the generation of gases 

 from undigested food. It occasionally happens that inflam- 

 mation of the intestines is mistaken for colic, but the differ- 

 ence is easily detected. However, great care should be 

 taken in making the diagnosis, as the treatment for both 

 disorders, though in many respects it is similar, will result 

 in ill effects if misapplied. 



