DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES. 227 



acetatis, B.P.), is recommended by some authorities. 

 These opiates are also very efficacious in subduing the pain. 

 The tinctura opii may be given in ^ij. to %nj. doses, and 

 may be repeated if necessary after the lapse of two or 

 three hours. It is not, however, generally necessary to 

 repeat the hypodermic injection. A mixture composed of 

 doses of tincture of opium and sulphuric ether, with 

 a moderate dose of spirit of chloroform, is perhaps 

 the most efficacious means of subduing the intense pain 

 of colic. Some recommend Fleming's tincture of aconite ; 

 but we believe this remedy to be neither very effica- 

 cious nor necessary in the treatment of uncomplicated 

 colic. 



Hot fomentations and stimulating liniments may with 

 advantage be applied to the abdomen. 



Treatment of Flatulent Colic. — In these cases, in addition 

 to the aloes, it is advisable to administer some remedy to 

 dispel the accumulated gas. For this purpose, aromatic 

 spirit of ammonia, turpentine, and assafoetida are perhaps 

 the best. If there be much pain, an anodyne, as sul- 

 phuric ether, or tincture of opium, should be administered 

 in addition. 



French veterinarians largely practise puncturing the 

 colon with a trochar, in order to liberate the accumulated 

 gas. This measure is said by some to be attended with 

 great benefit if performed early. 



INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION, 



Etiology. — The causes of intestinal obstruction may be 

 arranged under various headings : 



1. Causes acting tvithin the (jut itself, such as impaction of 

 fseces, or concretions of various kinds. Some of the latter 

 are composed of vegetable matter, while others chiefly 



15-2 



