COLIC. 



889 



ence there of a year, there was not a single death from this cause ; 

 an< I since then, extending over a period of twelve years, I have 

 used the same treatment in the cure of a great many cases, and 

 had it used under my supervision, without the loss of a single 

 case ; this treatment I give first, having the utmost confidence in 

 its great value. 



There are two forms of this disease, namely, spasmodic and 

 flatulent colic. The first is wholly of a spasmodic nature, and if 

 not promptly relieved, will, in severe cases, run into inflammation 

 of the bowels, causing speedy death. The second, while exhibit- 

 ing the same general symptoms, 

 shows marked enlargement of 

 the belly, from generation of gas, 

 which, if not checked and neu- 

 tralized, results fatally by rupt- 

 uring the diaphragm, causing 

 suffocation and death. The ad- 

 vantage of this treatment for 

 colic was first, in making a fair 

 trial of the best anti-spasmodic, 

 laudanum; then, if it failed to 

 give relief, or if there was re- 

 lapse, bleeding promptly, which 

 not only gave relief with more certainty, but prevented a tendency 

 to inflammation, thereby making a cure when medicine proved 

 unavailing. Secondly, in giving peppermint for flatulent colic. 

 He found by experimenting that peppermint was the only remedy 

 he could depend upon for neutralizing the distending gas ; and its 

 combination with ether, as the best for giving relief. 



Causes. The common causes of colic are a sudden change in 

 the feed : very often during the summer when running at pasture^ 

 if taken up for a day, and a feed of oats or dry food given, it is apt 

 to cause gripes ; feeding new oats or new corn is a common cause ; 

 applications of cold water to the body; drinking freely of cold 

 water when heated, especially if hard well-water, often gives rise 

 to a severe attack; worms and other intestinal irritants may in- 

 duce it; costiveness and unwholesome food often cause it; over- 

 loading the stomach, or being put to work on a full stomach, will 

 give rise to it. 



FIG. 777. First stage of Spasmodic Colic 

 somewhat exaggerated. MayTiew. 



