Obstruction of the Bowels, 297 



oil to lubricate the instrument, should be poured into the rec- 

 tum every half hour. 



On the second day it may be found that the medicine does 

 not act very freely. The best agent to be given then is : — ■ 



No. 333. Carbonate of ammonia, J drachm, 



Linseed tea. 1 quart. 



Mix for a drench twice or thrice a day. 



As soon as the appetite returns, a succulent diet, such as 

 grass, sweet hay, boiled turnips, etc., will complete the cure. 



OBSTRUCTION OF THE BOWELS. 



Definition. — A closure of the intestinal tube, either by 

 twisting upon itself, w^hen it is know^n as " gut tie'' or "the 

 cords ;'' or by being involved in the sac of an irreducible rup- 

 ture ; or other mechanical means. 



Causes. — In the ox such a condition may arise from cas- 

 tration carelessly performed, as was pointed out by Professor 

 Dick, of Edinburgh ; or from dust balls or foreign substances 

 becoming impacted in the bowels and setting up inflamma- 

 tion which binds the intestines in a cord ; or from kicks and 

 severe blows, leading to the same result. Though perhaps 

 more common in the ox, it is not, as Mr. Youatt taught, at 

 all confined to that animal. 



Symptoms. — These are obstinate and absolute constipa- 

 tion, and excessive pain, coming on in paroxysms of atro- 

 cious severity. The belly swells, the ears and horns are cold, 

 the eyes are indicative of intense suffering, the mouth and 

 muzzle turn pale, and the breathing is laborious and heard 

 at a distance. The disease continues for six or eight days, 

 and death comes from exhaustion. 



Treatment. — The result is usually fatal. Yet cases are 

 on record where recovery took place, and the obstruction was 

 overcome. 



