68 SPASMS. 



We naturally have recourse to remedies reputed as antispasmodics. 

 Ill a severe case, blood-letting would probably prove beneficial, 

 general or topical ; the latter being mostly preferable when per- 

 formable. A strong cathartic will be almost sure to do good/ by 

 clearing out the alimentary passages, and getting rid of any latent 

 or remote cause of spasm that may exist in them. In regard to 

 the spasmed muscles, a very hot fomentation — either of plain 

 water or of a decoction of poppy-heads — is most likely to confer re- 

 lief: should it not, rub a stimulating application or even a blister 

 upon the parts. By the judicious use of one or other or all of 

 these remedies, I should imagine there would be little doubt about 

 ultimate success in any ordinary case : in dismissing the patient as 

 " cured," however, it will become our duty to warn the proprietor 

 of the possibility or probability of a relapse. Still, in the end, all 

 will most likely do well ; unless we should have the ill fortune to 

 encounter such an extraordinary case as occurred to M. Prevost, 

 wherein a mare was for two years regularly seized every month 

 or six weeks with cramp ; for which, at last, her owner was com- 

 pelled to get rid of her. 



