SPASMODIC COLIC. 157 



If the horse, previously in perfect health, has, when 

 heated, had access to cold water ; or been exposed to 

 a cold wind ; or, if he has been exercised violently on 

 green meat ; either colic or inflammation may be the 

 result;, but if the symptoms follow a little sluggish- 

 ness at work, and want of appetite with constipation 

 for a few previous days, it is most probable that in- 

 flammation will be present. 



Having, therefore, considered the history ; and ob- 

 served the symptoms ; and decided that the horse is 

 labouring under an attack of spasmodic colic, the 

 following drink should be given in a pint of ale or 

 cold water : — 



RECIPE (No. 41). 



Colic Drink. 



Take — Solution of Cape aloes, six ounces ; 

 Sulphuric ether, one ounce ; 

 Laudanum, two ounces. — Mix. 



If in half an hour or an hour relief is not obtained, 

 the draught should be repeated; only the aloes must 

 not be again administered ; but their place should be 

 supplied by one drachm of camphor, ground to a fine 

 powder, with a few drops of spirits of wine. The abdo- 

 men also should be well rubbed or fomented. 



After the second drink has been given without re- 

 lief, it is often necessary to moderately bleed the 

 horse ; not only to reduce the spasm, but to antici- 

 pate the inflammation which will probably ensue upon 

 a prolonged attack. After this the drink should be 

 repeated; two drachms of powdered opium may be 



