SUPERPURGATION 195 



position of the same fatal prominence ? Why is it that 

 aloes, above all other drugs, should be singled out in this 

 manner ? Simply because it is dangerous ! 



If a new drug were introduced to-morrow, with only 

 one-half of the possibilities of danger already inherent in 

 aloes, its use would be indignantly scouted by more than 

 two-thirds of the veterinary profession. And yet, I 

 venture to say, there are but a very few who would dare 

 to assail aloes in the same manner. 



Regarding the medico-legal questions involved in its 

 use, Williams says : 



' The occurrence of superpurgation after the ad- 

 ministration of a simple and moderate cathartic by the 

 veterinarian is one of great importance. In no case 

 where due caution has been taken, where the dose 

 has not been more than the necessities of the case 

 required, . . . should the veterinarian be made re- 

 sponsible.' 



Personally, I should consider a man deserving of any 

 trouble that might accrue therefrom who systematically 

 uses aloes in his practice without urgent calls for its 

 administration. Physicking after grass, to get into con- 

 dition, to remove a tendency to swelled legs, ... all 

 these I look upon as foolish and useless fads — practices 

 which the intelligent veterinarian will endeavour to 

 root out from those of his clients who are amenable to 

 reason. 



Causes. — Although giving aloes the foremost position 

 among the causative factors of this dangerous condition, 

 it must not be forgotten that other and more simple 

 purgatives will bring about a like result if improperly 

 administered, or if due care is not afterwards taken of 

 the patient. 



In a case of pneumonia, for instance, ^ pint of some 



13—2 



