THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 147 



the present day, called pain killer, is a concentrated stimulant, 

 and we are told that it does good. 



Supposing that the stomach is in a torpid condition, Ave give 

 the following drench : — 



Tincture of ginger, 2 ounces, 



Fine salt, 1 ounce, 



Essence of peppermint, .... 1 ounce. 



At the end of four hours we commence to lubricate the diges- 

 tive surfaces, by mucilaginous drenches. To guard against 

 constipation, we resort to cream of tartar and sulphur, and if the 

 pain is still severe, (which may be known by the patient's actions,) 

 a dose of linseed oil and lime water should be given. Occasional 

 clysters are advisable so long as the bowels are torpid and the 

 excrement scanty. Counter irritants are indicated when the 

 extremities are cold and the surface inactive ; hand rubbing and 

 wisping with straw in a downward direction tend to impart 

 heat and a free current of blood to the surface, and of course 

 relieve deep-seated inflammation. 



If the disease is occasioned by the use of large doses of anti- 

 mony or other mineral poisons, the patient should be drenched 

 with weak soap suds, or lime water and linseed oil, equal parts, 

 and afterwards be fed on starch gruel and mucilage of marsh- 

 mallows. We cannot be expected to write all the necessary 

 directions that may be needed in a case of this character ; there- 

 fore, if the services of a veterinary surgeon can be obtained, the 

 owner had better employ him. 



TWISTING OF THE INTESTINES. — (Volvulus, Intussusception.) 



Definition. — (Intus-susceptio, and intro-susceptio ; from intus, 

 within, and suscipio, to receive.) A disease of the intestinal tube, 

 and most frequently of the small intestines ; it consists in a por- 

 tion of gut passing for some length within another portion. — 

 Hooper. 



Volvulus, from volvo, to roll up. The iliac passion, or inflam- 

 mation in the bowels, called twisting of the guts. — Ibid. 



This trouble is quite common among horses, yet at post mortem 

 examinations it is not always evident ; this may arise in conse- 



