TETANUS. 381 



time named, these organs do not resume their proper functions, 

 have recourse to one or two warm injections of soap and water, 

 and clear the rectum of its contents ; after which it is seldom 

 necessary to repeat the process, or to give purgative medicine. 

 It is true that in post mortem examinations of horses which 

 have died from Tetanus, I have found the contents of the 

 intestinal canal to be somewhat dry; this, however, is easily 

 accounted for, if we reflect upon the large amount of watery 

 fluid which is cast off by the skia during those excessive attacks 

 of perspiration I have previously alluded to. This watery 

 exudation is yielded by the excretory vessels of the skin, which 

 vessels derive it from the general mass of blood. On the other 

 hand, the rapid disappearance of the watery portion of the 

 blood excites a general absorption of all the loose fluid 

 throughout the body; hence we can readily explain why the 

 contents of the bowels should, after the death of the patient, 

 be in a state of dryness. 



Teeatment. — The best remedies and modes of treatment, 

 in general, are — Camphor, Arnica, Strychnia, Nux Vomica, 

 Belladonna, Muriate of Morphia, Chloroform, Extract of Indian 

 Hemp, Steam Baths, and Fomentations. 



Camphor. — Camphor is a valuable remedy to commence with, 

 when the disease arises from exposing the animal to cold 

 and wet. Give 3 or 4 drachms of the strong tincture, com- 

 bined with a small portion of flour, in the manner directed 

 at page 146. The dose may be repeated every three or four 

 hours, for twenty or thirty hours in succession, — during which 

 time those in attendance upon the patient should endeavour to 

 gradually restore warmth to the system. Camphor is not of 

 much service in Traumatic Tetanus. 



Arnica. — When the disease arises in consequence of a 

 wound. Arnica is the best remedy to commence with. Use it 



