70 
W. ZUILL. 
and the general manifestation of the disease will, therefore, be 
modified and diversified according to the individuality of patients. 
The respiration is usually accelerated in colic, and remains so 
in various degrees until the end, fatal or favorable, of the attack. 
But on the other hand, notwithstanding what has been written 
on the subject, the circulation at the onset of the attack seems to 
be reduced. Arterial action is generally depressed, and the pulse 
hard, small and often irregular, and below the normal standard. 
During this period the visible mucous membrane, especially 
that of the conjunctiva, is pale. The sensitive nervous system 
of the abdominal viscera participates in the functional troubles of 
those organs, and all the other great functions of the economy 
are also modified by reflex action. The heart, by a phenomenon 
that we cannot very well explain, remains indifferent to the ex¬ 
isting morbid condition, and even diminishes its action, and as a 
consequence the circulation is weaker, the molecular changes are 
less marked, the lowering of the general temperature, and espec¬ 
ially the cooling of the extremities, follows as a consequence of 
the existing state of affairs. At a later period the heart again 
accelerates its action ] and its contractions become strong and re¬ 
peating ; but the pulse generally remains weak, small and thready, 
and towards the final struggle for life becomes imperceptible. 
There is often profuse perspiration, occurring from the very 
beginning of the disease; while in other cases this is a manifesta¬ 
tion indicating a favorable crisis. In cases of fatal termination, 
this always shows itself towards the end ; it is then cold, almost 
icy, covering the entire body, and dropping profusely on the 
ground. 
® * 
Certain forms of colic recover, either by treatment or by in¬ 
stantaneous natural reaction. This is shown by a more or less 
energetic expulsion of wind, fceces or urine. Preceding, or im¬ 
mediately upon these expulsions, the animal shakes himself up, 
and changes instantly from the peculiar and intense expression of 
the pain he has endured. 
Occasionally, and even with the best care and treatment, the 
symptoms continue to increase in severity, the struggling motions 
repeat themselves more and more rapidly, and the pain becomes 
