158 IMPACTMENT. 



given in an injection, and a stimulating embrocation 

 may be rubbed over the belly. It is very rare for an 

 attack of colic to continue longer ; but if it should, the 

 rubbing and the drink should be persevered in ; or 

 even the ammoniacal blister previously described may 

 be applied to the abdomen. 



A horse recovering from a fit of spasmodic colic 

 should have his water a little warmed for several suc- 

 cessive days. 



IMPACTMENT. 



This is generally found only in old horses which 

 have immoderate appetites and weak digestions. It 

 is produced by masses of dung accumulating in the 

 bowels and stopping up the passage. It is distin- 

 guished from colic by there being no periods of per- 

 fect ease ; and from inflammation by the absence of 

 pain on pressure ; and by the character of pulse, 

 which will be changed, but not so much affected as in 

 positive enteritis. The disease, however, generally 

 continues for a longer time than does simple colic, 

 and more frequently terminates in inflammation. The 

 object is to relieve the bowels ; and large quantities 

 of oil with half a drachm of chloroform to each pint, 

 back-raking, and frequent injections, are employed 

 for this purpose. Bloodletting is also proper; and 

 often immediately will be followed with a free dis- 

 charge of fseces. A drink composed of sulphuric 

 ether and laudanum, of each two ounces, may be 

 administered thrice a day; or even oftener if the 

 symptoms are severe ; and the abdomen may likewise 

 be fomented or stimulated. 



