42 



The treatment for "wind colic differs very materially from that of 

 cramp colic. Alkaliues neutralize the gases formed, and must be 

 promptly given. Probablj' as good a domestic remedy as can be had 

 is baking-soda, in doses of from 2 to 4 ounces. If this fails, give chlo- 

 ride of lime in half-ounce doses, or the same quantity of carbonate of 

 ammonia everj- half hour until relieved. Absorbents are also of serv- 

 ice, and we may give charcoal in any quantity. Relaxants and anti- 

 S23asmodics are also beneficial in this form of colic. Chloral hydrate 

 not only possesses these qualities, but it also is an anti-ferment and a 

 pain-reliever. It is then i)articularly well adapted in the treatment of 

 wind colic, and should be given in the same sized doses and in the 

 manner directed for spasmodic colic. 



A physic should always be given in flatulent colic as early as possi- 

 ble, the best being Barbadoes aloes in the dose alreadj' mentioned. 

 Injections, per rectum, of turpentine 1 to 2 ounces, linseed-oil 8 ounces, 

 may be given frequently to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the bow- 

 els and favor the escape of wind. Blankets Avrung out of hot water 

 do much to afford relief; they should be renewed every 5 or 10 min- 

 utes and covered with a dry woolen blanket. This form of colic is 

 much more fatal than cramp colic, and requires prompt and persistent 

 treatment. It is entirely unsafe to i)redict the result, some apparenth' 

 mild attacks going on to speedy death, while others that appear at tlxe 

 onset to be very severe yielding rapidly to treatment. Do not cease 

 your efforts until you are sure the animal is dead. I v>-as called, in 

 one instance, and on reaching mj' patient the owner informed me that 

 *' the horse had just died." The heart, however, was still beating, 

 and bj- energetic measures (tapping, etc. ) I " brought him back to lif e, " 

 as the onlookers asserted. In these severe eases puncturing of the 

 bowels in the most prominent (distended) part by means of a small 

 trocar and canula, or with the needle of a hypodemic syringe, thus 

 allowing the escape of gas, has often saved life, and such jiunctures 

 are not followed by any bad results in the majority of instances. 



Impaction of the large intestines. — This is a very common bowel 

 trouble and one which, if not promptly recognized and proper!}^ 

 treated, results in death. It is caused mostly by overfeeding, espe- 

 cially of grain, and I have noticed that it is much more common where 

 lye is fed alone, or with other grains; old, dry, hard hay, or stalks 

 when largely fed; deficiency of secretions of the intestinal tract, lack 

 of water, want of exercise, paralysis of nerve endings, medicines, etc. 



Symptoms. — Impaction of the large boAvels is to be diagnosed by a 

 slight abdominal pain, which may disappear for a day or two to reap- 

 pear with more violence. The feces is passed somewhat more fre- 

 quently, but in smaller quantities and more dry; the abdomen is full, 

 but not distended with gas; the horse at first is noticed to paw and 

 soon begins to look back at his sides. Probably one of the most char- 

 acteristic symptoms is the position assumed when down. He lies flat 



