Treatment of Indigestion. 129 



tatlon extends to the brain. The animal is giddy, staggers, 

 is dull and sleepy. This condition is that called ^^ sleepy 

 staggers;'' or the brain becomes inflamed, and we have 

 "mad staggers"; conditions the management of which we 

 have already considered (p. 87). 



Treatment. — In ordinary cases of chronic indigestion,'we 

 should first examine the mouth and teeth and remove any 

 cause of irritation from them ; next we should inquire care- 

 fully into the diet, and see that it is moderate in quantity, 

 nutritious, and offered at regular intervals; when these are 

 done, it will be time to think of medicines. 



.Generally it will be advisable to give a mild purge of oil 

 or of aloes, w^ith ginger. After this has operated, the follow- 

 ing is recommended by Prof. Williams as a tonic exercising 

 a happy effect : — 



No. 86. Bicarbonate of soda, ^ 



Powdered gentian, each | oz. 



Powdered nux vomica, 20 grains. 



For one dose twice daily. 



Careful grooming is indispensable, and if the hair is thick 

 clipping it will sometimes act ahnost magically. 



Of the various stomach stimulants the following may be 



used : — 



No. 87. Calumba, powdered, 2 drachms. 



Common salt, 

 Fenugreek, each 1 drachm. 



Mix with molasses to form a ball. 



Or, 



No. 88. Peruvian bark, powdered, 1 oz. 



Flour of mustard, 1 drachm. 



This may be mixed with the food ; or if refused, given as a ball. 



When the indigestion is from a weak stomach, as occurs 

 after an acute disease, two drachms of the medicinal dilute 

 muriatic acid can be added to the drinking water two or 

 three times a day, and will often exert a happy effect. 



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