258 SPECIFICS FOR THE ALIMENTARY TRACT 



consists of soap suds with the addition of % ounce (15 mils) of 

 glycerin or oil of turpentine to each pint (500 mils). 



Cannon, in working upon cats, found peristalsis of the small in- 

 testine as a result of rectal injection and antiperistalsis of the colon. 



In tests with bland nutritive enemata, of milk, eggs, starch and 

 bismuth subnitrate, he found, without exception, that antiperistaltic 

 waves carried the material to the cecum. Small enemata never 

 passed the ileocecal valve but large ones of the capacity of the large 

 intestines would often pass into the sniall intestines. 



It is interesting to note that in dogs and cats, it is possible 

 to pass fluid through the entire digestive tract and to have it 

 vomited. This is accomplished by injecting large amounts of saline 

 into the rectum of a dog or cat, the animal in the meantime is held 

 with the hind parts elevated. Some practitioners are using this 

 treatment with apparent success in catarrhal conditions of the gastro- 

 intestinal tract, and in food poisoning of the small animals. Where 

 evacuations are to be produced quickly, the enema is given rapidly 

 and by a sudden distention of the rectum or by direct irritation of 

 the bowel-wall results reflexly in active peristalsis, accompanied by 

 6 ounces; tincture of asafcetida % ounce to each pint of water. 



The following are most frequently recommended to expel gas. 

 Soap suds (from strongly alkaline soap — laundry soap), of soap 

 suds 1 pint — turpentine V2 ounce ; or turpentine % ounce, olive oil 

 6 ounces ; tincture of asafcetida % ounce to each pint of water. 



Rectal or Colon Irrigations consist of saline solution slowly 

 administered, two tubes are used, an inlet and outlet. The object is 

 to clean out the bowels, stimulate the activity of the kidneys, or to 

 supply fluid to the body. 



Murphy recommended for post-operative tympanities and shock 

 the continuous drop irrigation, in which an exceedingly small 

 amount of saline is kept up day and night. 



Nutritive Enemata. Sometimes it becomes necessary to pro- 

 long the life of the animal in those cases in which it is impossible 

 to feed the animal through the mouth or inability of the animal to 

 retain food in the stomach. The rectum should be cleaned about 

 one-half hour before the food is to be administered. These foods 

 must be warmed to body temperature and introduced high up but 

 without unnecessary pressure. The early discharge may be some- 

 what prevented by pressing the tail to the anus or by the addition of 

 opium to the enema. For herbivora, thin mashy material may be 

 used. Common salt % per cent, is said to produce a reverse peri- 

 stalsis, which may carry the food higher up and favors its absorp- 

 tion. The rectum should be washed once daily to carry out any 

 decomposing refuse. The following amounts are recommended for 

 one feeding, three to four times daily : Small dogs and cats, 10 — 



