ExNTERITIS. 335 



In regard to the administration of oil in this disease, 

 I do not mj^self hold with such practice ; simply, because I 

 view it, on one side as next to inoperative or inert, and, on 

 the other, should it come into action, as dangerous. Olive 

 and castor oils are little worth as horse medicines ; and lin- 

 seed oil, in the dose to ensure its effect — a pint or a pint and 

 a half — is not exhibited without incurring danger from its 

 operation. Barbadoes aloes is incomparably the most safe and 

 efficient cathartic we possess for horses ; and I can, for my 

 own part, see no objection whatever to its employment either 

 in colic or in enteritis. 



Clysters constitute an important part of the treatment. 

 The common soap and water enema may be commenced 

 with ; and this, followed up by an aloetic injection ; or, in 

 case of emergency, by the tobacco enema, proves very effec- 

 tual : in fact, should the tobacco .smoke enema, after two or 

 three administrations, be found to fail of affording relief, 

 clysters may be abandoned as powerless in the disease. The 

 prescribed forms for them will be found under " Colic^' at 

 p. 324. The prussic acid enema, made by mixing from ^\ 

 to Jij of the acid with a gallon of water, may be made trial 

 of, if thought prudent. 



Other Remedies. — The next thing required to be done, 

 is raking — removing, as far as the arm will reach, every 

 portion of faeces from the rectum; and this should be imme- 

 diately succeeded by the injection, with the patent syringe, 

 of copious aloetic clysters.^ Hot flannels wrung out from 

 boiling water may be attempted to be applied to the belly, 

 or a sack or bag filled with hay, and dipped in scalding hot 

 water, may be bound up close against it, or a sheep-skin but 

 just flayed is a good application, providing it can be confined 

 upon the surface : but, unfortunately, there is generally 

 much difficulty in accomplishing these soothing remedies, 

 and sometimes considerable danger, to the persons engaged, 

 in their application. A mustard embrocation — made by 



• Vide tlie clyster ordered for colic. The first time, give the purging 

 clyster ; after effect, the soap and water, without the aloes ; in extremities, the 

 tobacco-enema. 



