236 THE COMMON COLICS OF THE HORSE 



Of the special knowledge I am able to offer I am not 

 so sure. One's own treatment is so apt to become what 

 is popularly termed 'groovy'; and, taking the line I 

 am about to, I expect the discussion that should follow 

 to disabuse me of wrong impressions or point out errors 

 in judgment that a long-continued practice of a special 

 line of treatment may have led me into. 



I may say at the outset that I consider the adminis- 

 tration of sedatives in colic grossly abused. That in only 

 a very, very few instances are they called for at all, and 

 that in all other cases their exhibition tends rather to 

 prolong the case than bring about its resolution. 



Having taken that standpoint, I shall endeavour to 

 give reasons that will justify it. To that end I must 

 arrange the matter of my discourse under the following 

 headings : 



1. The sedatives in common use, and their generally 

 accepted actions. 



2. Circumstances that have led the veterinarian to their 

 frequent administration. 



3. The major points in an argument for their more re- 

 stricted use. 



4. Cases of colic in which they are of service. 



5. Cases of colic in which they are harmful. 



The sedatives in common use are opium and its 

 alkaloid morphia, belladonna with its alkaloid atropine, 

 chloral hydrate, and cannabis indica. 



Taking these in the order named, we shall find that 

 opium and morphia, no matter how administered, para- 

 lyze cutaneous and mucous structures and the ending of 

 sensory nerves with which they are brought into contact. 

 Medicinal doses are analgesic and anti-spasmodic, and 

 diminish the several secretions, excepting that of the 

 skin. We find also, though there is some primary ex- 



