INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 29 



purgation is required. Warm water, or soap and 

 water, or a solution of Epsom salts, half a pound at a 

 time, answer very well in ordinary cases. Half a 

 pint of the spirit of turpentine, combined with two 

 quarts of soap and water, is more active, and in flatu- 

 lent colic may be of much use. In gripes, opium is 

 often excellent in its action, administered in this 

 form; but injections can be infinitely varied, and their 

 varieties will hereafter be dwelt upon. In every large 

 establishment, the patent injection pump has super- 

 seded the use of the old bladder and pipe, or even of 

 the syringe, on account of the ease with which any 

 quantity of fluid may be introduced by its means. 



CHAPTER II. 



PHRENITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN); 

 STAGGERS. 



The term staggers, by which several of the diseases of 

 the head used to be designated, should now be com- 

 pletely laid aside. It was derived from the staggering 

 gait which frequently accompanied particular affec- 

 tions : but several diseases are occasionally accom- 

 panied by such symptoms, and these by the retention 

 of the name may be confounded. 



Inflammation of the brain may be either of its sub- 

 stance or its membranes, or it may be of both. It 

 may be produced by over-exertion in close and sultry 

 weather; especially if the horse is gross, and has 

 lately had but little work. It is sometimes consequent 

 c 3 



