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SUPERPURGATION. 



Superpiirgation, or over-excitement of the iutestiues from, 

 the undue action of purgative medicine, is a condition of the 

 bowels which the veterinary surgeon is frequently called upon 

 to treat. 



The symptoms, associated with the action of a purgative 

 upon the bowels, are — quickened rate of the pulse, attended 

 with a partial but temporary loss of its force ; the breathing is 

 also a little hurried ; this is the most conspicuous when purging 

 is about to commence ; and the animal is nauseated. If the 

 purging, however, does not go on to an undue extent, these 

 symptoms soon subside — the pulse becomes normal, and the 

 nausea is succeeded by a desire on the part of the animal for 

 food ; but should the animal be of a weak constitution, or be 

 taken out of the stable and ridden or driven a considerable 

 distance while the purging continues, or taken out too soon 

 after what is called the " setting" of the physic, or if the pur- 

 gative dose be too powerful in the first instance, or if two or 

 more of these circumstances or causes act in association, the 

 purging will in all probability become excessive, and the life of 

 the animal may be placed in danger. Purging may continue for 

 a long time ; but so long as the patient is kept quiet in the stable, 

 so long as the appetite remains good, and the pulse maintains 

 its regular, slow, and round beat, little or no danger need be 

 apprehended ; but if the appetite fail, if the pulse becomes 

 thready, and the patient weak, it behoves the owner to act with 

 promptness. 



"The following symptoms," says that excellent observer, 

 John Field, " indicate the violent and too long continued action 

 of purgatives, and invariably portend a fatal termination. 

 Staring glassy eyes ; frequent, distinct, feeble, and sometimes 

 thread-like pulse ; purging oifensive matters, with or without 



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