COLIC. 41 1 



This practice, as pointed out on pp. 408 and 409, is not always 

 safe. Besides, a strong purgative would unfit a horse for work 

 for a few days. The employment of an antispasmodic, such as 

 turpentine, chloric ether, chlorodyne, or even alcohol, is as rational 

 as that of a purgative; for the antispasmodic, like the purgative, 

 stimulates the intestine to get rid of the offending material, with- 

 out, however, causing the discharge of watery fluid. Also re- 

 member the fact that untreated colic is not necessarily fatal. The 

 majority of cases of colic would recover if left alone. 

 In ordinary cases, I give the following drench : — 



Turpentine .... ... 2 oz. 



Linseed oil 1^ pint. 



Some practitioners prefer an ounce of chloric ether to the turpen- 

 tine in the above draught. 



In these cases, linseed oil acts very usefully as a gentle aperient 

 which does not cause watery evacuations, and as a protective 

 vehicle for the turpentine. The turpentine checks the formation 

 of gas, and stimulates the motion of the intestines. It may be 

 given in gruel (as a drench), if the oil be not procurable. 



If relief be not obtained, give a subcutaneous injection (p. 644) 

 of eserine (p. 621), and, if necessary, 1 qz. of chloral hydrate in a 

 pint of water, as a drench. Above all things, we should exercise 

 patience. 



The following is a useful ball for colic in Asiatic countries where 

 its component drugs can, as a rule, be easily procured : — 



Opium ... ... ... ... ... 1^ drachm. 



Asafcetida 1 „ 



Camphor ... ... 2 „ 



If, in the first instance, nothing else is to be had, give a quart 

 of warm ale, fortified by a quarter of a pint of spirits and a 

 tablespoonful of powdered ginger; or, better still, an ounce of 

 chlorodyne in a pint of oold water. 



The horse should be kept quiet in his stall, with plenty of bed- 

 ding under him, so that he may relieve himself by rolling, and 

 should not be distressed by exercise. If, however, ha begins to 

 throw himself about violently, it is well to give him the chloral 

 hydrate already advised, in order to prevent him injuring himself 

 internally. He may have one or two enemas of warm water ; the 

 surface of his body should be well hand-rubbed; his abdomen 

 fomented; and he should be kept warm. A catheter (p. 666) 

 should be passed, if the bladder is full. 



