DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 45 



8. In obesity, gout and increased sexual impulse to withdraw 

 nourishment and reduce bodily strength. 



9. Prophylactically, against parturient apoplexy and azoturia. 



10. To prepare cryptorchids for operations; also animals for 

 intestinal operations (laparotomy). 



Cathartics are contraindicated in severe non-infectious in- 

 flammation of the stomach or intestines, in very weak, anaemic 

 animals, in advanced pregnancy, in peritonitis (extension of the 

 inflammation over the whole peritoneum by the increased peri- 

 stalsis), and in prolapse of the rectum. When a cathartic is abso- 

 lutely necessary in any of these conditions castor oil or calomel 

 should be used. On account of the elimination of cathartics 

 in the milk, neutral salts or other indifferent substances should be 

 given to milk cows instead of aloes. 



The Individual Cathartics. — 1. Physostigminae salicylas. 

 Physostigminae sulphas. Eserine. An important cathartic for 

 the horse in constipation colic. Operates within a half hour. 

 Also used in combination with pilocarpine. Contraindicated in 

 excessive distention and paralysis of the intestines, engorgement of 

 the stomach, tympanites, spasmodic colic, pregnancy and dyspnoea. 

 Dose for the horse, 0.05-0.1, gr. ^ to jss, subcutaneously. 



2. Arecolinae hydrobromidum. Arecoline combines the action 

 of physostigmine (eserine) and pilocarpine, is cheaper, more stable 

 and is effective in smaller dose. Especially valuable in laminitis, 

 colic and inflammation of the brain. Dose for the horse, 0.05-0.08, 

 gr. ^ to j. 



3. Aloe. Aloes. A cathartic for horses and cattle in impaction 

 colic, chronic intestinal catarrhs, inflammation of the brain and lami- 

 nitis; also a cholagogue. It has the disadvantage of operating 

 slowly: 18 to 36 hours after administration. Dose for the horse, 

 25-50, 5vj to xij; for cattle, 40-60, 5x to 5ij. [Dose of aloin for 

 the horse, 8-12, 5 ij to iij ; produces less dulness, nausea and grip- 

 ing than aloes and is more prompt in action.] 



4. The neutral salts: Sodii sulphas, magnesii sulphas, and *sal 

 Carolinum factitium (artificial Carlsbad salts). Mild and slow 

 acting cathartics; used alone or to assist other cathartics, as aloes, 



