Practical papers—diseases, Etc. 
339 
Colic .—Of this, there are two kinds, flatulent and spasmodic. 
The first is produced by the formation of gases in the stomach 
and bowels, caused by fermentation, consequent upon indigestion, 
from eating anything green, in large quantities, or such food 
as the stomach is unaccustomed to. Nature never wfill submit to 
be outraged by any sudden shock to her nicely appointed and 
prescribed laws, and who can blame her? I am sure I cannot. 
Spasmodic Colic is caused by anything which suddenly over¬ 
throws or interferes with the aforesaid laws of nature. Cold 
water, in large quantities, ill usage by hard driving, or other un¬ 
reasonable work, or exposure of any kind may, and often do cause 
it. Its chief distinction from the flatulent is, the body does not 
swell, whilst many other symptoms are nearly or quite the same. 
In either case, there is never much time to lose, what is done must 
be done quickly, and the remedies must be of the proper kind, 
or before you are aware, your patient is dead. 
For flatulent colic, give ant-acids to neutralize the gases and 
stop their manufacture. One of the best remedies with me is, 
tincture opium, 1 oz.; sulphuric ether, 1 oz.; prepared chalk, 1 
oz.; rain water, 4 oz. Mix and give at once. Repeat in one 
hour if necessary. On no account, trot the horse around, or slap 
his sides with a flat board, as I have often seen done. Friction 
by hand rubbing is good. Warm soap-suds thrown up as an in¬ 
jection is beneficial. If the pain and symptoms do not upon the 
giving of a second dose of medicine abate, bleeding to the 
extent of six or eight quarts will often prevent inflammation of the 
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bowels and other dangerous terminations. 
For spasmodic colic, give 1-2 oz. sulphuric ether, 1-2 oz. tincture 
opium, 1-2 oz. tincture lobelia, 1 1-2 oz. rain water, 20 drops fluid 
extract aconite root, mix all together and give as one dose, repeat if 
necessary every thirty minutes up to three doses. Inject warm 
water, 20 quarts, in which mix 1 oz. tincture opium; inject every 
twenty minutes or so. Here, also, if relief does not soon follow 
the medicine, bleed as above recommended. 
Next diseases are spavin and ringbone, exostosis, or abnormal 
growth of bone. These are precisely the same, differing only in" 
location, and require just the same treatment The causes are, 
concussion, strain, or inj uries from any cause to the parts; but 
