Injlammatlon of the Bowels, 



141 



Tphole disease, in spite of the early small discharges of feces, 

 constipation is continued and obstinate, and the belly swollen, 

 tender and resonant. 



It is of the utmost importance to distinguish colic from 

 inflammation of the bowels, as the remedies required in the 

 two conditions are directly opposite. We quote therefore 

 the following table from an English authority : — 



Symptoms of Colic. 



Sudden in its attack. 



Pulse rarely much quick- 

 ened in the early part of the 

 disease, but evidently fuller. 



Legs and ears of the natu- 

 ral temperature. 



Kelief obtained from rub- 

 bing the belly. 



Relief obtained from mo- 

 tion. 



Intervals of rest. 



Strength scarcely affected. 



Symptoms of Inflammation of 

 the Bowels. 



Gradual in its approach, 

 with previous indications of 

 fever. 



Pulse very much quick- 

 ened, but small, and often 

 scarcely to be felt. 



Legs and ears cold. 



Belly exceedingly tender, 

 and painful to the touch. 



Motion evidently increases 

 pain. 



Constant pain. 



Rapid and great weakness. 



Treatment. — To give strong purges, as the old farriers 

 used to in this disease, is to double the agony of the animal 

 and probably to kill him. Exactly the opposite treatment 

 is to be pursued. Opium in large doses, say two drachms, 

 must be promptly given and repeated every hour or two, 

 until the pain is relieved. Or twenty grains of morphia may 

 be thrown under the skin by the hypodermic syringe. Hot 

 fomentations to the belly are useful, but not always con- 

 venient. After the severe symptoms are past, if the bowels 

 continue bound, injections of warm water should be used to 

 clear them out. 



