70 THE COMMON COLICS OF THE HORSE 



slight evidence of peristalsis. With each respiration 

 there was a peculiar forward movement of the oesophagus, 

 with, every now and again, distinct sounds of attempted 

 eructation. There was no ingesta returning through the 

 nostrils, and yet auscultation of the trachea revealed 

 sounds of fluid in that passage. Inquiries elicited the 

 fact that the animal was choked with the drinks 

 administered before my arrival. 



I diagnosed tympanitic stomach, with inability of the 

 pylorus to pass it. Having administered the usual 

 remedies, I resolved to at once empty the intestines, for, 

 seeing that I had already obtained slight evidence of 

 peristalsis, I apprehended no difficulty in so doing. To 

 that end I administered a full dose of eserine sulphate 

 (2 J grains hypodermically), and prepared myself to watch 

 results. 



Septemhev 17, 12.30 a.m. — The end of half an hour saw 

 full and frequent passage of tremendous volumes of flatus 

 pev amim, and by this time the mare was distinctly 

 relieved, though still blowing hard from the effects of the 

 inspired drenches. The attempts at eructation were far 

 less frequent, and I saw that I had now overcome the 

 stomach trouble. I gave a guarded prognosis, however, 

 not knowing how the tracheal disturbance was likely 

 to end. 



September 17, 10.30 a.m. — Mare picking at provender. 

 Entirely free from colic pains, but causing grave anxiety 

 on account of the pulmonary congestion. The usual 

 remedies were administered, and, though ailing some 

 days, the animal made an uninterrupted recovery. 



I have now laid down a simple and rational treatment 

 for combating this distressing disorder. Before closing 

 the chapter, however, it is my duty to mention two other 

 means which are sometimes discussed, but seldom or 



