204 THE COMMON COLICS OF THE HORSE 



by the owners themselves — the cases partaking more of the 

 nature of a baby and its nurse than of the adult patient 

 and his medical man. They are difficult in that our powers 

 of diagnosis concerning them are as yet but limited. 



Diavfhcea. — Probably the most common form of colic 

 in the very young foal is that occasioned by diarrhoea — 

 ' scouring,' as it is commonly termed. If the case has 

 not been long about, and the young animal is fairly 

 strong, by far and away the best initial treatment is a 

 suitable dose of castor-oil. This is best given in the 

 form of an emulsion. The following is a good mixture 

 for the purpose : 



If the foal is but a week or so old the above quantity 

 will be found sufficient. If at all older and not weakly, 

 double the quantity may safely be given. In many 

 cases, where the symptoms appear to demand it, a suit- 

 able stimulant may be added in the shape of spts. 

 ammon. ar., spts. eth. nit., or a small dose of brandy. 

 Very often, after the lapse of only a few hours, this dose 

 of castor-oil will have stayed the purge. Should it have 

 failed, it will then be necessary to follow it up by the 

 administration of combined astringents, antacids, and 

 sedatives. The following is a very old-fashioned recipe 

 and yet one of the most suitable : 



li. Catechu pulv. i 



Cretae preparatas 1 ^ ^ ^m- 

 Spt. ammon. ar. gii. 



Tinct. opii 5i. 



Aquam - ad 5xii. 



Misce; fiat mist. 



