COLIC. 84S 



occasioned by the food contained in them undergoing a process of 

 fermentation. The pain which the animal evidently suffers, his moan- 

 ings, his striking at his belly with his hind feet, a swelling on the 

 right side of the belly, the occasional discharge of gas from the mouth 

 and anus, constant restlessness, continual getting up and lying down 

 again immediately, and all this accompanied by fever, would induce 

 the suspicion that the animal was laboring under flatulent colic. 



Thei-e are various reasons, however, why cattle should seldom be 

 subject to this complaint. By the maceration which the food under- 

 goes in the paunch, and the second mastication to Avhich it is sub- 

 jected in rumination, it is prepared for speedy and perfect digestion. 

 There is neither time nor disposition in the substances contained in 

 the intestinal canal for this process of fermentation to be set up ; and 

 if there were, there are no labyrinthine irregularities to detain the 

 gas, but it would be readily pressed on by the common peristaltic 

 motion of the bowels, and expelled. Spasmodic colic has sometimes 

 been mistaken for that which has been occasioned by the distension 

 of the bowels ; or, more frequenty, inflammation of the outer coat of 

 the intestines has been confounded with JIatulent colic. 



This species of colic will generally be relieved by the administration 

 of almost any aromatic drink ; but the chloride of lime, as in hoove, 

 is most to be depended upon. Two drachms of the chloride dis<^olved 

 in a quart of warm water, to which an ounce of the tincture of ginger, 

 (or two drachms of the powdered ginger,) and twenty drops of essence 

 of peppermint have been added, will form one of the most effectuai 

 colic drinks that can be administered. The choride unites with the 

 extricated hydrogen gas, and causes it, or the greater part of it, to 

 disappear ; while the aromatic stimulates the intestme to contract 

 upon and force forward and expel any small portion that may remain. 



The beast should be walked about ; exercise alone will sometimesi 

 cause the gas to be expelled ; but the owner must not adopt the 

 dangerous expedient of driving or worrying the beast with dogs, 

 otherwise he may produce strangulation, or nelting, or rupture of the 

 intestines. 



Should the first dose, and gentle exercise for a quarter of an hour, 

 not produce relief, a purgative drink should be given, and that of ap 

 aloetic nature, as more hkely to operate speedily. Take of Barbadoes 

 aloes four ounces, pimento powdered tw^o ounces, and gum Arabic two 

 ounces; pour on them a quart of boiUn;^ water; stir the mixture 

 well, and often ; when it is cold, add half a pint of spirit of wine, and 

 bottle the whole for use : shake the bottle well before the requisite 

 quantity is poured out. Clysters of warm w^ater, or thin gruel, 

 should not be neglected, and with each clyster two ounces of th^ 

 aloetic tincture should be administered. Friction on the belly and 

 flanks is occasionally useful, and, in obstinate cases, it will be advisa- 

 ble to stimulate the whole of the belly with spirit of turpentine well 



