TYMPANITES, OB FLATULENT COLIC. 



499 



Hi i ) 



there being so great an accumulation of gas in the stomach and in- 

 testines that the belly is swelled. This disease will often prove fatal 

 in from one to three hours. It is generally very sudden in its at- 

 tacks, often occurring while the ani- 

 mal is at work, particularly dur- 

 ing warm or changeable weather^ 

 but it is generally caused by in- 

 digestion, producing gases in the 

 bowels and stomach.* 



Treatment. — Blanket comforta- 

 bly, so as to keep up evaporation, 

 and immediately give the following 

 as a drench : — 



Peppermint \ 2 oz. 



Sulphuric ether 2 oz! 



"Water. ....... .............. \.\. .....'... 1 pt. 



Shake up thoroughly, and keep covered with the hand or cork 

 before administering. If not relieved, it should be repeated in one 



Fig. 810.— Early Stage of Flatulent Colic. 



Fig. 820.— Advanced Stage of Flatulent Colic, or Tympanites. 



* There are two locatibns for this disease, the stomach and tbe colon and coecum ; hut la 

 either it requires the same treatment, as it Is generally produced by the same causes. When 

 in the .stomach, it will he distinguished by eructations, or belchings of gas through the oesopha- 

 gus, or gullet. If In the colon or coecum, the horse is violently swollen along the belly, flanks, 

 and sides. The pulse is rarely disturbed until the disease advances, when it will become quick- 

 ened, running to its hight quickly, and receding as rapidly, if fatal. If to terminate fatally, it 

 will become weaker and slower until it is almost imperceptible. If the animal is allowed to fall 

 down suddenly, while the pressure of gas upon the walls of the stomach is very great, there is 

 a liability of rupturing the diaphragm, which would cause almost Instant death from suffoca- 

 tion. 



