COLIC. 409 



to the presence in the intestines of- indigestible food recently eaten, 

 would be an extremely bad thing to give an animal siuffering 

 from colic arising from aoute inguinal hernia, or long-continued 

 constipation. In the case of hernia, the aloes would greatly aggra- 

 vate the congestion or inflammation of the imprisoned bowel ; in 

 constipation, by forcing the offending mass through the bowel, it 

 might lead to rupture of the intestine, or might set up fatal in- 

 flammation. Hence, as long as the cause of colic in any particular 

 case remains unknown, it is best to continue to treat symptoms. 

 Thus, if pain be the only symptom discernible, give Indian hemp, 

 chlorodyne, or chloral hydrate : the first-named for preference. 

 Given a free choice of drugs, it would be well to limit the use of 

 opium in colic to cases, like those of hernia, in which it is desirable 

 to check the action of the bowels. If the colic be oomplicated 

 by tympanites (distension of the abdomen with gas), also use 

 turpentine, which has a powerful effect in checking fermentation. 

 Puncturing the large intestine (p. 688) is a very efficient means 

 for relieving flatulency. As soon as the cause of the pain is found 

 out, of course seek to remove it. By, however, treating the symp- 

 toms of pain and flatulency, not only is no harm done, but the 

 animal's life may be saved by relieving distressing symptoms 

 which might kill the patient by their intensity. 



Horses subject to colic without ostensible cause should be re- 

 garded with extreme suspicion, for such attacks are often indica- 

 tive of the presence of calculi in the bowels, of colic brought on 

 by the palisade worm (p. 399), or of other grave affections. 



The division of abdominal pain into spasmodic colic and flatu- 

 lent colic is an arbitrary one which has no merit beyond that of 

 the sanction of custom. Bear in mind that colic may occur in 

 severa-l ways, without there being either spasm or flatulence. 

 Instead of these terins, I venture toi suggest those of colic without 

 flatulent distension, and colic with flatulent distension. 



Spasmodic Colic. 



This is the term applied to spasm of the muscular coat of the 

 intestines, generally caused by irritation due to the presence in 

 them of undigested food. It may also be occasioned by chill. It is 

 usually brought on by injudicious watering and feeding, especially, 

 when the horse is exhausted by hard work and long fasting; for the 

 digestive apparatus is then in a weakened state. Some animals, 

 from natural or induced weakness cf these organs, are prone to 

 colic at all times, xmless carefully managed. This form of colic is 

 rare among horses which are properly fed and looked after. 



In England, spasmodic colic is generally due to spasm of the 



