348 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



(with atropine), subcutaneously; or as laudanum, with ether 

 and chloroform in a drench, simultaneously with an aloes 

 ball. In this affection opium actually assists the action 

 of the purgative by overcoming spasm. Pain directly 

 antagonizes the effect of opium, and repetition of the dose 

 is both justifiable and necessary until relief is obtained. 

 Hypodermic medication is therefore safer when the dose 

 has to be repeated, in enabling the practitioner to decide 

 that failure to relieve pain is due to insufficient dosage 

 rather than to delayed absorption from the digestive canal. 



Opium is indicated in all forms of pain, unless it be 

 caused by congestion or inflammation of the brain substance 

 (cerebritis). The pains and spasmodic contractions result- 

 ing from acute or traumatic meningitis are benefited by 

 opium ; also neuralgic and rheumatic pains. The after- 

 pains of parturition are relieved by opium in causing 

 relaxation of the unstriped uterine muscle. The spasms of 

 tetanus are eased when opium is combined with chloral 

 in enema, or when morphine is injected under the skin. 

 Clonic spasm of the diaphragm in horses ("Thumps") is 

 also treated successfully with opium. 



2 and 3. Opium is invaluable in lessening secretion, 

 motion and pain in various digestive disorders. Gastric 

 digestion is inhibited by the action upon secretion and 

 motion, and opium should not be administered immediately 

 after the ingestion of food, unless the demand for it at that 

 time is imperative. 



Excessive vomiting in dogs may be combated with 

 opium and bismuth, or with morphine hypodermatically. 

 Opium quiets peristalsis and secures rest of the canal in 

 gastritis and gas tro- enteritis. In superpurgation and in all 

 forms of diarrhoea and dysentery, opium is the remedy par 

 excellence. (Laudanum in dose of 5-10 drops for large birds is 

 an efficient remedy for diarrhoea in poultry). Its administra- 

 tion in these disorders should be accompanied, or preceded, 

 by an oleaginous (horse), saline (herbivora), or mercurial 

 (horse and dog) purgative ; and its action may be assisted 



