C30LIC— CONCUSSION OF THB BRAIN. 43 



seized with spasm, causing such pain that he gives vent to a low 

 moan, which, as the paroxysms of pain increase in frequency and 

 severity, changes to a prolonged howl. In colic, too, the nose and 

 mouth are cool, and there is no offensive hreath. As in inflamma- 

 tion, the attitude is peculiar and umnistakahle ; the back is arched, 

 the feet are drawn in towards each other, and the tail is tightly 

 tucked between the legs. In coUc, the belly is sometimes distended 

 considerably with gas, and the disease is then known as flatulent 

 ooUc. The causes are, exposure to wet and cold, getting doga, 

 especially house dogs, to swim in cold inclement weather, the 

 presence of worms in the intestines, and the giving of improper food, 

 such as sugar and other sweet things, the last being the commonest. 

 Puppies just after weaning are very Uable to colic, especially if they 

 have smaU lumps of meat, or other solid food, thrown to them, 

 which they cannot well chew, but greedily bolt ; or if they have a 

 portion of one meal left in the dish till the next meal is added, 

 because the stale portion becomes sour, and the fermentation is 

 carried on in the stomach. 



Colic is sure to yield to prompt and proper measures, and the 

 treatment is simple and safe. As soon as observed, give the sufferer 

 a dose of the Anti-spasmodic Drops, and if this does not afford 

 relief, then give 5 to 30 drops of tincture of opium, with 5gr. to 

 lOgr. of chloral. In flatulent colic, known by the distended belly 

 sounding like a drum when tapped with the end of the finger, from 

 10 to 30 drops of spirit of sal volatile may be advantageously added 

 to the dose of Anti-spasmodic Drops ; or the following draught may 

 be substituted, and repeated in an hour if the dog is not relieved ; 

 carbonate of soda, 15gr. aromatic spirit of ammonia, 20 drops ; 

 essence of ginger, 5 drops ; laudanum, 10 drops ; and peppermint 

 water, 2 tablespoonfuls — a dose for a 201b. dog. In spasmodic coUc 

 the following is useful : carbonate of soda 5gr. to 15gr. ; aromatic 

 spirit of ammonia 10 to 20 drops ; tincture of ginger 5 to 10 drops in 

 water every four hours. After the attack has subsided, give the dog 

 a gentle aperient such as the Mild Purge, keep on a laxative diet, 

 and for a few days give only gentle exercise. If worms are the cause, 

 then a vermifuge should be administered after the painful symptoms 

 have subsided. 



CONCUSSIOH' of the BBAIIT.— This often occurs in 

 canine practice, and is due to accidents. In most oases the dog 

 becomes unconscious, and the breathing is heavy or usually nearly 

 imperceptible. Gradually consciousness returns, but often a stiff- 

 ness of the limbs and an uncertain gait remain for a time. The 

 treatment should consist in the administration of stimulants, but 



