COLICS OF THE SOLIPED 35 



like all colics of this group they are never excruciating 

 unless gaseous complications develop. 



2. — Impaction of the Small Intestine.— Overloading 

 of the small intestine presents a line of symptoms 

 not unlike those observed in certain forms of im- 

 paction or obstruction of the floating colon, and it is 

 often quite impossible to determine with certainty which 

 condition actually exists until after a careful and intelli- 

 gent rectal examination has given a basis for differen- 

 tiation. 



In the beginning of cases of engorgement of the 

 small intestines the discomfort is protracted, persistent 

 and, although the pains are of rather sudden onset after 

 eating, especially if impaction is near the stomach, they 

 are of the mild type with intermittent spells of greater 

 uneasiness. The patient seeks recumbency for extended 

 intervals, often shows icterus, and diarrhea is frequently 

 observed, though rectal examination demonstrates these 

 parts to contain fecal matter in more or less solid state. 

 The fecal passages are foul-smelling and usually pre- 

 ceded by pain. A better appetite is observed, during the 

 early beginning of this than with most other colics, and 

 there is an almost diagnostic inclination to move back- 

 ward as if endeavoring to get free from the gradually 

 increasing pressure. Prompt diagnosis has much to. do 

 with lessening the possibility of a grave termination 

 through the development of enteritis or bowel rupture. 



3. — Impaction of Cecum and Colon. — There yet 

 remains two very distinct portions of the intestinal 

 viscera to be considered before leaving the subject of 

 colics due to overloading— the cecum and large or folded 



