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A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
Treatment.— SimilaT to spasmodic colic, only that assafcetida in 
doses from ^ to 2 ounces, and ginger i ounce, may be combined, 
with opium in lieu of other drugs ; or hyposulphite of soda in from 
I to 3-0Z. doses mixed in a bucket of gruel or water may be given 
every hour or two. 
The bowels should be relieved by enemas (FormuliE 80 and 81) 
and when the attack has subsided a purgative should be given. 
In all cases of colic attention must be paid to the water and fodder, 
and if either be found indifferent the animal should be removed to 
other pasture. After an attack of colic food should be given spar- 
ingly for a few days and gruel only the day following the attack. 
Tonics, nux vomica, iron, etc., may be given with advantage to 
restore tone to the intestines. 
If colic be not relieved early, the case may end fatally. Steel 
records entanglement of the bowels as a cause of death. This is 
usually brought about by the violent manner in which the animal 
throws himself about when in acute pain. 
Enteritis or Inflammation of the Bowels. 
Causes. — Obstruction, severe constipation, neglected diarrhoea, 
parasites, action of acrid plants or drugs, chills, etc. It is said to 
be not infrequent in the hot season if elephants are fed largely on 
the leaves and branches of the peepul, nyaung-bin (Ficus feligiosa). 
Symptoms. — During the early stages some constipation and 
passing of mucus or slime, later on diarrhoea with slime, belly-pains 
which differ from ordinary colic in that the pain is continuous and 
increases in intensity as the diseased condition of the bowel advances. 
Distension of the abdomen is often a marked symptom. Fever is 
always present, which at once distinguishes it from colic. The 
respiration is quickened and the pulse very hard. 
Prognosis. — Unfavourable, frequently fatal. 
Treatment : Preventive. — Consists in attention to avoiding causes 
noted above. 
Curative : Local. — For the relief of pain as described under 
that condition, i.e., fomentation, turpentine stupes, mustard plasters. 
Occasional enemas of warm water may afford relief. Diarrhoea as 
described under that condition. 
General. — Opium in 2-dr. doses every two hours till 8 or 10 
drachms has been administered ; it not only relieves the pain, 
but keeps the bowels quiet, an important matter in this malady. 
Chloral hydrate 4 drachms combined with the opium is more effica- 
cious. Ganja is perhaps more useful than either. Messrs. Parke 
