Special Report on Diseases of the HorseUnited States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Science
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse
United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Horses -- Diseases
_Treatment._--The treatment for wind colic differs very greatly from
that of cramp colic. Absorbents are of some service, and charcoal may be
given in any quantity. Relaxants and antispasmodics are also beneficial
in this form of colic. Chloral hydrate not only possesses these
qualities, but it also is an antiferment and a pain reliever. It is,
then, particularly well adapted to the treatment of wind colic, and
should be given in the same-sized doses and in the manner directed for
spasmodic colic. Diluted alcohol or whisky may be given, or aromatic
spirits of ammonia in 1-ounce doses at short intervals.
A physic should always be given as early as possible in flatulent colic,
the best being Barbados aloes in the dose already mentioned. Injections,
per rectum, of turpentine 1 to 2 ounces, linseed oil 8 ounces, may be
given frequently to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the bowels and
to favor the escape of wind. Blankets wrung out of hot water do much to
afford relief; they should be renewed every 5 or 10 minutes and covered
with a dry woolen blanket. This form of colic is much more fatal than
cramp colic, and requires prompt and persistent treatment. It is
entirely unsafe to predict the result, some apparently mild attacks
going on to speedy death, while others that at the onset appear to be
very severe yielding rapidly to treatment. No efforts should be spared
until the animal is known to be dead. In these severe cases puncturing
of the bowels in the most prominent (distended) part by means of a small
trocar and cannula or with a needle of a hypodermic syringe, thus
allowing the escape of gas, has often saved life, and such punctures, if
made with a clean, sharp instrument that is not allowed to remain in the
horse too long, are accompanied with little danger and do more to
relieve the patient quickly than any other treatment.
SPASMODIC OR CRAMP COLIC.--This is the name given to that form of colic
produced by contraction, or spasm, of a portion of the small intestines.
It is produced by indigestible feed; large drinks of cold water when the
animal is warm; driving a heated horse through deep streams; cold rains;
drafts of cold air, etc. Unequal distribution of or interference with
the nervous supply here produces cramp of the bowels, the same as
external cramps are produced. Spasmodic colic is much more frequently
met with in high-bred, nervous horses than in coarse, lymphatic ones.
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