226 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



mucous walls of the small and large gut. In other cases 

 the change is of an atrophic nature. 



In many instances, however, no change is to be found in 

 the walls of the intestine, though these are not infrequently 

 somewhat thickened. 



In some cases parasites, or various kinds of concretions 

 to which the pain was due, may be found after death. 



When the colic depends on organic changes, correspond- 

 ing lesions of varying extent are found. 



Treatment of Spasmodic Colic. — In all cases of colic, 

 except those in which diarrhoea is present, it is advisable to 

 commence treatment by the administration of a cathartic. 

 Barbadoes aloes is the best purgative in these cases, and 

 is given preferably in the form of a ball, in doses of 5 to 7 

 or 8 drachms, depending upon the size and condition of the 

 animal."^ 



In addition to the cathartic, enemas of water at about 

 100° F. should be given, and repeated at intervals of two or 

 three hours if necessary. Some recommend the addition of 

 aloes to the enema, or the substitution of oil for warm 

 Avater in cases of impaction of the colon. We do not, how- 

 ever, believe that enemas of this kind are of greater 

 efficacy than those of simple warm water. If the pain is 

 severe, it is best combated by the administration of ^i. ss. to 

 5ii. of sulphuric ether with ^ii. of nitric ether, which may be 

 given in gruel or water, and may be repeated every two or 

 three hours in the early stages so long as the pain continues 

 unabated. Tincture of opium,, or hypodermic injection 

 of 40 minims of acetate of morphia (injectio morphine 



* There is perhaps no drug in the pharmacopoeia of which such vary- 

 ing qualities are found in the market as of Barbadoes aloes, and none 

 in the buying of which greater care is required. Much of that sold is 

 really unfit for use ; and it is well not to trust to balls of aloes sold 

 ready made up by some. We believe that neglect of proper precau- 

 tions in this particular is often answerable for very untoward results. 



