438 DISEASES OF DI&ESTION. 



calculus are : frequent attacks of colic from no other ostensible 

 cause ; pawing with the fore feet from evident abdominal trouble ; 

 resting the hind quarters against some support, as a wall, for 

 instance ; and sitting on the haunches like a dog. In an advanced 

 stage, no doubt can remain as to the nature of the disorder. 

 The countenance is haggard, the eye distressed, the back up, 

 the belly distended, the respiration becomes hurried, bowels 

 habitually costive. The habit of seeking relief by resting the 

 hind quarters against some support, is also seen in impEUjtion 

 of the bowels by undigested food. Dften in fatal cases, there is 

 continued pain for two or three weeks, or even more, before death. 



TREATMENT. — If the presence of a calculus be suspected, the 

 arm should be passed into the rectum with the object of removing 

 any of these balls which may be in reach. Giving strong purga- 

 tives and large enemas is recommended with the view of clearing 

 away the obstruction. Although a strong purgative might hasten 

 death by dislodging a calculus which had, up to the time being, 

 caused no inconvenience ; the fact remains that it often brings 

 away calculi, the presence of which in the intestines had been 

 unsuspected. 



