DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES. 235 



the intestines. For this purpose no remedy is more effica- 

 cious than opium, or its alkaloid, morphia. Opium is best 

 given in powder in the form of a ball, or in simple solution, 

 and may be administered in doses of one, two, or three 

 drachms in a suitable medium. Some authors recommend 

 a draught of five minims of tincture of aconite, and 

 half^a drachm of opium. We prefer to give a larger 

 dose of opium Jn the first instance, and have found that 

 the addition to the mixture of two drachms of chloroform 

 considerably enhances the beneficial result. Aconite is, 

 however, also a valuable remedy in the treatment of 

 enteritis, especially in those cases where bleeding, though 

 admissible, is not practised. 



After the administration of the opiate, if the pain still 

 continue severe, 40 minims of the injectio morphias 

 hypodermica (B.P.) may be injected under the skin every 

 two or three hours if necessary. 



Some veterinary surgeons prefer sulphuric ether for the 

 relief of pain after the administration of the opiate, while 

 others combine the two remedies. Sulphuric ether is 

 without doubt a valuable remedy, especially in all cases 

 where there is much flatulence, and we have found it of great 

 value when given in addition to the hypodermic injection. 

 Of the use of belladonna as a drug to be depended upon in 

 enteritis, we cannot speak in high terms of praise. 



Hot fomentations, by means of woollen rugs wrung out 

 from very hot water, may be applied to the abdomen, and 

 renewed every half-hour for three or four times, while the 

 pain is very acute, and afterwards every hour or so. During 

 the intervals some stimulating liniments may be well rubbed 

 in, over the* abdomen. Some practitioners recommend the 

 application of a poultice of mustard, which is rubbed off* in 

 two or three hours, and followed up by the application of 

 hot fomentations. 



