160 Veterinary Medicine. 



before, on the onset by slight colics, rapidly passing into great 

 and continuous suffering and stupor, with tympanitic tension of 

 the abdomen, and suppression of the intestinal movements, in the 

 absence of any distinct or marked hyperthermia. The rapid pro- 

 gress to death or recovery is equally characteristic. 



Treatment. In mild cases the prompt use of aromatics will 

 sometimes succeed ; tincture of pimento, anise or coriander 2 to 

 3 ounces, oil of peppermint, 20 to 30 drops. Stimulants, aqua- 

 ammonia, 1 to 2 drachms, largely diluted, ether 1 ounce, brandy 

 or whisky 1 pint, will sometimes succeed. A good combination 

 is dilute hydrochloric acid, 1 drachm, oil of turpentine 1 ounce,, 

 olive oil T / 2 pint. 



Still more effective in the rousing of the torpid vermicular' 

 movements are eserine sulphate 1.5 grains or pilocarpin 2 grains, 

 or barium chloride 7 grains sub-cutem or intravenous and tepid. 



These largely replace the old plan of giving a dose of aloes in 

 bolus, but in case of need aloes may still be given in ounce doses 

 in cold water rectal injections. The cold serves to rouse the 

 vermicular movements of the bowels and sympathetically of the- 

 stomach. 



Walking exercise, friction over the abdomen, and even electric 

 currents through the epigastrium and left hypochondrum may be 

 helpful. 



In very urgent cases, 1 to 2 ounces chloral hydrate is often 

 effective. It acts as a powerful anti-ferment, checking further 

 extrication of gas, and counteracts spasms of the bowels, so that 

 gas passes more freely per anum, vermicular movements are re- 

 sumed and recovery may be hoped for. 



Puncture of the stomach through the external abdominal wall 

 can only be effected by transfixing the transverse colon above- 

 which it lies and few have the hardihood to undertake this. It 

 may, however, be punctured with comparative safety through the 

 fourteenth to the seventeenth intercostal space in its upper half. 

 (Scammel). The overdistended stomach pressing forward on the 

 left half of the diaphragm, applies that against the inner surface 

 of the ribs, the lung being driven forward out of the way, and the 

 liver and colon are also displaced, so that the trochar transfixes 

 the skin, intercostal muscles, costal and phrenic pleura, diaphragm, 

 peritoneum and stomach. The marked drum-like resonance on 

 percussion indicates the best point for the puncture, and the 



