CHAPTER LXllT. 



SrOEADIC DISEASES— conti7iued: 



LOCAL DISEASES— continued. 



(0.) DISEASES OF THE BOWELS— continued. 



SUPEEPUEGATIOK 



Although a form of diarrhcea, from its gravity, and the im- 

 portant legal questions it may give rise to, sujDerpurgation 

 deserves a separate consideration. It is well described by the late 

 Mr. Haycock. He says — " Superpurgation, or over-excitement 

 of the intestines from the undue action of purgative medicine, is a 

 condition of the bowels which the veterinary surgeon is frequently 

 called upon to treat. The symptoms associated with the action 

 of a purgative upon the bowels are quickened rate of the pulse, 

 attended with a partial but temporary loss of its force ; the 

 breathing also is a little hurried. This is the most conspicuous 

 when purging is about to commence, and the animal is nauseated. 

 If the purging, however, does not go on to an undue extent, 

 these symptoms soon subside, the pulse becomes normal, and 

 the nausea succeeded by a desire on the part of the animal for 

 food ; but should the animal be of weak constitution, or be taken 

 out of the stable and ridden or driven a considerable distance 

 while the purging continues, or taken out too soon after what is 

 called the ' setting ' of the physic, or if the purgative dose be too 

 powerful in the first instance, or if two or more of these circum- 

 stances or causes act in association, the purging will in all pro- 

 bability become excessive, and the life of the animal may be 

 placed in danger. Purging may continue for a long time ; 

 but so long as the patient is kept quiet in the stable, so long 

 as the appetite remains good, and the pulse maintains its regular, 

 slow, and round beat, little or no danger need be apprehended ; 



