COLIC. 361 



In spasmodic colic all the above symptoms arc displayed, with- 

 out any great distension of the abdomen ; and if the history of the 

 case is gone into, it will be found that after coming in heated the 

 horse has been allowed to drink cold water, or has been exposed 

 in an exhausted state to a draught of air. 



In flatulent colic the abdomen is enormously distended ; the 

 attack is not so sudden, and the pain is not so intense, being rather 

 to be considered, in the average of cases, as a high degree of un- 

 easiness, occasionally amounting to a sharp pang, than giving the 

 idea of agony. In aggravated attacks, the distension is so enor- 

 mous as to leave no doubt of the nature of the exciting cause. 

 Here also the spasms are often brought on by drinking cold water 

 while the horse is in a heated and exhausted state. 



Where there is a stoppage in the bowels to cause the 

 spasm, on questioning the groom, it will be found that the dung 

 for some days has been hard and in small lumps, with occasional 

 patches of mucus upon it. In other respects there is little to dis- 

 tinguish this variety from the last. 



The treatment must in all cases be conducted on a totally differ- 

 ent plan to that necessary when inflammation is present. Bleeding 

 will be of no avail, at all events in the early stages, and before the 

 disease has gone on, as it sometimes will, into an inflammatory 

 condition. On the other hand, stimulating drugs, which would be 

 fatal in enteritis, will here generally succeed in causing a return 

 of healthy muscular action. The disease is indeed similar in its 

 essential features to cramp in the muscles of the human leg or 

 arm, the only difference being that it does not as speedily dis- 

 appear, because it is impossible to get at the muscular coat of the 

 intestines, and apply the stimulus of friction. 



As soon as a case is clearly made out to be op a spas- 

 modic nature, one or other of the following drenches should be 

 given, the choice being made in proportion to the intensity of the 

 symptoms : — 



1. Sulphuric Ether 1 ounce. 



Laudanum 2 ounces. 



Compound decoction of Aloes 5 ounees. 



Mix and give every half hour until relief is afforded. 



2. Spirit of Turpentine 4 ounces. 



Linseed Oil 12 ounces. 



Laudanum \\ ounce. 



Mix and give every hour till the pain ceases. 



3. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 1 J ounce. 



Laudanum 2 ounces. 



Tincture of Ginger 1 \ ounce. 



Hot Ale 1 quart. 



Mix and give every hour. 

 31 



