2o8 Diseases of the Organs of Digestion. 



variable periods, sometimes being insensible, racked by 

 convulsions, or paralytic. 



Treatment. Sudden terminations often prevent any- 

 thing being done. Aperients, as aloes or oil ; febrifuges 

 or draughts, containing aconite or the acetate of ammonia 

 mixture, No. 3, in linseed mucilage. Throw-up enemas. 

 Subcutaneous Injections, No. 2. 



DIARRHCEA is commonly a symptom of other diseases, 

 or in usual health it is Nature's remedy for removing 

 substances of an irritant character. It is commonly seen 

 in animals affected with worms, and it also appears as a 

 sequel to disease, and is the means of dissipating the last 

 remains of life. It consists of a discharge of fluid faeces, 

 with more or less pain and straining, and the presence 

 of fcetor often associates it with blood-poisoning, and 

 "breaking up of the system." 



Treatment. Warm enemas to remove irritants from 

 the posterior bowels, and give by the mouth the draught, 

 which is sufficient for a large horse : Linseed oil, ^ pint ; 

 tincture of opium, i oz. Mix. 



SUPERPURGATION may be described as an aggravated 

 form of diarrhoea, generally the result of excessive or con- 

 tinuous doses of purgative medicines ; copious draughts 

 of cold water when heated, or after such medicines have 

 been given ; some animals are highly susceptible of the 

 action of purgatives in health, and others are extremely 

 sensitive when reduced by catarrh, influenza, &c. Much 

 care is always needed in prescribing the first time for a 

 patient. The malady is known by a forcible expulsion 

 of liquid faeces associated with uneasiness, straining and 

 colicky pains, nausea, high temperature, unequal surface 

 heat, and complications, as laminitis, congestion of the 

 lungs, sinking, and death. 



Treatment. Superpurgation when suddenly arrested 

 ends in death. Proceed in the first instance cautiously, 

 as laid down for diarrhoea. The food and drink must be 

 restricted to gruel chiefly composed of starch, which 

 should also be used for enemas as well as a vehicle for 

 other remedies ; laudanum and sulphuric or chloric ether, 

 i oz. of each, forms a good remedy. 



