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Flatulent colic — Tympanites — Wind colic — Bloat. — Among the most 

 frequent causes of this form of colic are to be meutioned sudden changes 

 of food, too long fasting and food then given while the animal is ex- 

 hausted, new hay or grain, large quantities of green food, food that 

 has lain in the manger for some time and become sour, indigestible 

 food, irregular teeth, crib-biting, and in fact anything that produces 

 indigestion may produce flatulent colic. 



The symptoms of wind colic are not so suddenly developed, nor so 

 severe as those of cramp colic. At first the horse is noticed to be dull, 

 paws slightly, may or may not lie down. The pains from the start are 

 continuous. The belly enlarges, and by striking it in front of the 

 haunches a drum-like sound is elicited. If not soon relieved the above 

 symptoms are aggravated, and in addition we notice difficult breath- 

 ing, profuse perspiration, trembling of anterior limbs, sighing respira- 

 tion, staggering from side to side, and, finally, plunging forward dead. 

 The diagnostic symptom of flatulent colic is the distention of the bow- 

 els with gas, detected by the bloated appearance and resonance on 

 percussion. 



The treatment for wind colic differs very materially from that of 

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

 promptly given. Probably 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 every half hour until relieved. Absorbents are also of serv- 

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

 spasmodics 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 particularly 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 already 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 wrung out of hot water do 

 much to afford relief; they should be renewed every 5 or 10 minutes 

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

 more fatal than cramp colic, and requires prompt and persistent treat- 

 ment. It is entirely unsafe to predict the result, some apparently mild 

 attacks going on to speedy death, while others that appear at the onset • 

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

 efforts until you are sure the animal is dead. I was called, in one 

 instance, and on reaching my patient the owner informed me that "the 

 horse had just died." The heart, however, was still beating, and by 

 energetic measures (tapping, etc.) I "brought him back to life," as the 

 onlookers asserted. In these severe cases puncturing of the bowels in 



