SUBACUTE OBSTRUCTION OF THE SINGLE COLON 127 



act as it was said to do. In the light of fuller experience 

 I am able to see an adequate reason. They had not 

 used eserine on suitable cases. In spite of my opinion 

 that this is not its happiest forte, however, it still remains 

 a fact that eserine does act occasionally, even in posterior 

 obstruction of the colon ; and, after other remedies have 

 been given a trial of from ten to twelve hours, its exhibition 

 should no longer be delayed. The dose should not be a 

 large one. Should it fail to act, as I have already said 

 it may do, then the active peristalsis set up in the intestines 

 anterior to the seat of obstruction is extremely likely to 

 lead to a fatal lesion of the intestines or the mesenteric 

 bloodvessels. There is, however, no risk in the adminis- 

 tration of a small dose, say one grain. 



In view of what I have said concerning the likely 

 nervous causation of this disorder, no one, I should 

 imagine, will expect me to advocate the use of sedatives. 

 If it were possible to do so, I would denounce their 

 administration in even stronger terms than I have already 

 used. I find it impossible to do so, however, and must 

 content myself with the simple statement that their use 

 is undoubtedly most strongly contra-indicated. 



If the obstruction is within comfortable reach, the 

 veterinary surgeon should carefully knead it with the 

 knuckles of his closed fist through the rectum, endea- 

 vouring to crush it between his hand and the floor of the 

 pelvis. It may, and does, cause pain, but it is also 

 productive of good results. 



It goes without saying that, in addition to whatever 

 treatment is being adopted, copious enemas should, at 

 the same time, be freely indulged in. In fact, the ap- 

 paratus for so doing should be left with the attendants if 

 the veterinary surgeon is unable himself to frequently 

 attend. The water should be used as hot as regard for 



