SO-CALLED COLICS OF THE HORSE 115 



Treatment— Avecalin (| gr.) combined with aloes (gj) is 

 most effective. In prolonged attacks this treatment may 

 be repeated. As an auxiliary the use of rectal infusions, 

 massage {via rectum) and light exercise are helpful. In 

 case the cecum bloats the trocar may be used. 



Impactions of the Colon. — Impactions of the colon 

 usua,lly occur either (a) in the left layers including the 

 pelvic flexure or (b) in the terminal portion of the right 

 upper colon. 



(a) Impaction_ of the left layer of the colon. When the 

 left lower layer is impacted, on rectal examination may be 

 felt a cylindrical mass usually just in front of the pelvic 

 inlet or more rarely protruding into the pelvic cavity. The 

 left lower layer is distinguished by its bands and pockets, 

 the left upper layer by the absence of bands, its caliber, and 

 direction in practically a straight line forward. The greater 

 diameter and straight direction of the left upper colon 

 difPerentiate it from the smaller, tprtuous loops of small 

 bowel. 



(b) Impaction of the right upper colon. The impacted 

 mass is imprisoned in the "stomach-like" dilatation of this 

 bowel, beginning at the funnel-shaped termination and 

 extending forward and including the widest diameter of the 

 bowel. Except in small horses the results of rectal exami- 

 nations are almost negative. When the impaction may be 

 felt it is distinguished by its location anterior to the cecum, 

 slightly to the right of the median line. The mass is some- 

 what round, firm, often covered by the root of the mesentery, 

 and tends to move synchronous with respirations. 



In case the result of the rectal examination is negative, 

 it woTild be impossible to distinguish between impaction of 

 the right upper colon and that of the small bowel. In the 

 last stages, if quantities of gas accumulate in the left layers 

 of the colon the condition may be assumed; if on the other 

 hand the gaseous distention is confined to the small bowels 

 an impaction of these is probable. The general condition 

 of the patient in impaction of the colon remains for quite a 

 time good. The pulse and conjunctiva usually are about 

 normal. Obviously when enteritis, septic intoxication or 

 rupture occur the general condition becomes bad. 



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