DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES. 195 
ducts, could not easily be fixed by a small dose of medicine, 
even if it contained the necessary elements for the purpose. 
That these gases are present even at the commencement may 
easilybe demonstrated,so that the well-known beneficial effects 
of ammonia cannot be ascribed to its forming’ a compound with 
the carbonic acid, which is probably the least objectionable of 
the products given off. The position is further negatived by 
the fact that the carbonate of ammonia is equally effective. 
Our principal object in the treatment of the disease is, or 
should be, to promote the expulsion of the gas, and by 
restoring the function of the stomach to prevent its further 
accumulation; hence cardiac stimulants, such as brandy, 
ginger, pepper, and the like, are popularly and successfully 
employed for the purpose. These stimulate the nerves of 
the stomach, assist the restoration of its impaired irritability, 
aud promote expulsion of the gas. In this way, also, the 
salts of ammonia act. By the employment of antiseptics, we 
arrest the decomposition; and probably the effects of chlorate 
of potash and hyposulphite of soda, may be ascribed to this 
circumstance. Added to the direct medicinal action of the 
agent given, is the mechanical influence exerted by the fluid 
or solid in opening the obstructed channel of the oesophagus, 
as well as the action by contact with the membrane of the 
stomach. 
Among the remedies we have tried, none bear comparison 
with the hyposulphite of soda; given in two-ounce doses 
and dissolved in a pint of warm water. Half the quantity 
may be administered in half an hour after, if necessary, the 
animal meanwhile being kept in motion. Since Professor 
Morton suggested to us the use of this drug, we have not had 
occasion to puncture the rumen once. Nor should we con¬ 
sider the operation, although formerly a very frequent one, at 
all desirable unless in a case where suffocation was threatened. 
Tympanitis in sheep is treated in precisely the same way ; 
the dose of the hyposulphite being half an ounce. The 
shepherd and cattle-man are provided with a supply of this 
agent, and our attention is now r scarcely ever called to these 
cases at all. 
Tympanitis in the horse commonly gives rise to spasmodic 
contractions of the intestinal muscles, and is denominated 
“wind colic 5 ’ by the attendant; nor is the expression inapt. 
A cardiac, or general stimulant, on the principle we have dis¬ 
cussed, is the ordinary and appropriate remedy, external 
frictions and exercise not being neglected in cases that do not 
immediately yield to the medicines exhibited, 
Stomach distension by accumulation of food is on all accounts a 
