DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 703 



If, after the abatement of the active symptoms, the bowels 

 remaiu torpid (as they generally do), the practitioner is by no 

 means to attempt the removal of this torpidity by the adminis- 

 tration of cathartics or aperients of any kind ; for if the animal 

 is to recover, it must be dependent upon the restoration of 

 function and tone to the inflamed bowel ; and it is well known 

 that for this end perfect quietude of the inflamed part must be 

 maintained. 



The advisability of bleeding in enteritis will depend entirely 

 ujDon the condition of the animal. If the pulse be moderately 

 full, if depression be absent, an abstraction of blood commen- 

 surate wdth the strength of the vital powers will be followed 

 generally by abatement of the symptoms, and if performed 

 early is beneficial. Should tlie appetite return, great care must 

 be taken that the food be of the simplest and of the most easily 

 digestible kind, such as scalded bran and boiled linseed given 

 in moderate quantities ; the eating of dry food being prevented 

 by a muzzle. Care must also be taken, wdien the functions of the 

 bowels are restored, that no undue accumulation of fsecal matters 

 be allowed to remain in the rectum. The question of adminis- 

 tering stimulants during the acute stage will also greatly depend 

 upon the condition of the animal ; they usually do more harm 

 than good, but if tympanites be present, one or two doses may 

 be tried. If they give relief they may be continued, but if, on 

 the contrary, they aggravate the pain or seem to have no effect, 

 they are to be discontinued. It must not be lost sight of that 

 antiseptics, such as carbolic acid or hyphosulphite of soda, in 

 proper doses are important factors in counteracting putrefaction 

 of the contents of inflamed bowels, and the rapid gangrene of 

 the inflamed part, as w^ell as a septic condition of the blood. 

 If, however, they fail to reduce the tympany, relief by puncture 

 must be immediately given (see Treatment of Flatulent Colic). 



