396 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



and less frequent, as well as less violent. In fatal cases the 

 paroxysms become longer and more violent in character, 

 the intervals of ease shorter and shorter, until finally the 

 case terminates in volvulus, or enteritis and death, or the 

 case may terminate in death from sheer exhaustion. 



Treatment. — The disease is one that is usually very satis- 

 factory to treat. However, the treatment should always 

 be prompt and energetic. Phlebotomy undoubtedly an- 

 tagonizes spasm ; but its practice is one not to be recom- 

 mended, as far better means by which spasm can be 

 controlled are known to the profession. As soon as possible 

 a draught should be administered, a very good one being 

 as follows : spts. aeth. nitrici, tr. opii, aa 3ii. ; aquae, O.i. 

 Belladonna in the ordinary-sized dose may, in many cases, 

 be substituted for tr. opii. A laxative should always be 

 given to clear out the intestinal track, because colic is 

 always due to the presence of something which acts as the 

 exciting cause of the disease ; and, unless that something 

 be removed, it may remain and cause another attack of 

 colic in a day or two afterwards. However, a powerful 

 purgative should never be given, as such a cure would be 

 Avorse than the disease, aside from the danger of super- 

 purgation. Subcutaneous injections of morphia ma}'' be 

 given to allay pain, and are especially serviceable if the 

 stomach is distended with food. Clysters of tepid water 

 cannot be overdone. A little soap and ol. terebinth may 

 be added to the first and second injections, but to none of 

 the others. Some practitioners advocate the administra- 

 tion of ol. terebinth in a draught. It will do very well in 

 a case of pure colic, with no tendency to inflammation ; 

 but if there is any tendency to inflammation it is inad- 

 missible, its administration meaning almost certain death. 

 Almost anything will do, providing it be given in time. 

 Tr. aconite is often used with good efl"ect. In a severe 



