GENERAL USES OF PURGATIVES 29 



tend to combat inflammation (antiphlogistic action) in this 

 way by lowering blood tension while they also favor reduc- 

 tion of a febrile temperature. Local depletion by salines is 

 especially indicated in diarrhoea and dysentery, and in the 

 first stages of acute inflammation of the digestive tract. 

 Plethora and obesity are often treated by a depletive method 

 with cathartics. 



5. To eliminate. — Deleterious material in the blood re- 

 sulting from renal insufficiency, and probably from infection 

 in acute diseases, maybe eliminated to a considerable extent 

 by purgatives. So also may be hsemic sources of rheuma- 

 matism, lymphangitis and hsemoglobinsemia. 



Gontra-indications. — These refer rather to the special 

 agent than to any disorder, for there is scarcely a condition 

 in which some cathartic is not permissible. 



Drastics are inadmissible under the following circum- 

 stances : in catarrhal conditions of the respiratory and 

 digestive tracts, intestinal haemorrhage, collapse, anaemia, 

 hernia, prolapse of rectum, metritis, nephritis, pregnancy, 

 general debility, and in wounds of and operations upon the 

 pelvic or abdominal viscera. 



In well-defined enteritis and peritonitis cathartics are 

 to be avoided. In mechanical ^^obstruction of the intestines 

 surgical interference is indicated when practicable, but where 

 this is impossible enemata and possibly purgatives may be 

 employed. The intestines, developed to an extent dispro- 

 portionate to the size of the stomach in the horse, are pow- 

 erfully influenced by cathartics, so that in catarrh of the 

 respiratory organs and influenza, metasta.sis, or change in 

 the site of the inflammation may occur, and the intestines 

 may become involved with the occurrence of excessive 

 purging (super-purgation) after the ingestion of any but the 

 mildest cathartics, as linseed oil. Aloes is the purgative 

 given horses for ordinary purposes, while epsom and glauber 

 salts are suitable for ruminants and pigs, and calomel and 

 castor oil for dogs. Water assists the action of purgatives, 

 and its ingestion should be encouraged by supplying a liberal 



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