DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS I39 



Flatulent Colic— This form of colic, though 

 not so acute, is much more constant than the pre- 

 ceding form. The body is swollen in the region 

 of the bowels, the gas extending quite generally 

 through the region. There is also a tendency to 

 inflammation. The pulse will be noticed as more 

 rapid, and at the same time more feeble, the breath- 

 ing will be more pronounced, and the animal less 

 steady on its feet. In treating the patient it is 

 advisable to unload the rectum with greased hand 

 and arm, and the admission of w^arm water with 

 soap in it, is also likely to be beneficial. A little 

 turpentine mixed with the soap and w^ater is good. 

 The intestine is to be cleaned out as far as the arm 

 will reach, but a violent purge is unwise, as that 

 only intensifies the inflammation. Naturally the 

 first thing is to mildly open the bowels. For this 

 give 15 or 20 tablespoonfuls of linseed oil and 5 

 or 10 tablespoonfuls of spirit of turpentine. If the 

 case continues, it is advisable to call a veterinarian, 

 and it may be necessary to use the trocar and 

 canula. If the instrument is sterilized, no great 

 risk attaches to the operation, while immediate 

 relief is secured as the gas passes out through the 

 tube, and the distention is visibly reduced. An 

 excellent mixture for this kind of colic consists of 

 6 tablespoonfuls of chloral hydrate, 6 tablespoon- 

 fuls of laudanum, 3 tablespoonfuls of sulphuric 

 ether, 2 tablespoonfuls of turpentine, and 10 table- 

 spoonfuls of ginger. Of this give 2 or 3 table- 

 spoonfuls in a half pint of warm water and repeat 

 every half hour for 3 or 4 doses and then place the 

 doses an hour apart until all danger has passed. 



When there is a good deal of gas w^ith consider- 

 able swelling an excellent drench is made of 2 

 tablespoonfuls of powdered aloes, 4 tablespoonfuls 



