Text book of veterinary medicine, Volume 4 (of 5)Law, James
Science
Text book of veterinary medicine, Volume 4 (of 5)
Law, James
Veterinary medicine
In case of _gastro-intestinal inflammation_ elimination is to be sought
by ⅓d the usual laxative dose, supplemented if need be, by injections.
Half a pint of olive oil with 20 grs. calomel will usually be well
borne. Counter irritants may be applied to the abdomen, and the bowels
must be carefully watched and any inactivity or derangement corrected. A
slight diarrhœa is not to be too hastily checked as it may serve at once
to eliminate offensive matters and subdue mucous inflammation. Solutions
of flax seed, gum, or slippery elm in the drinking water may serve a
good end.
In case of _cardiac weakness_ with intermittent or irregular pulse,
hurried breathing, and an undue contrast between the violence of the
heart action and the weakness of the pulse, circulatory stimulants are
called for. Digitalis 10 grains twice daily, strophanthus tincture 1½
dr., strophanthin subcutem ¼ grain, caffeine 5 grains, veratrine ⅒th
grain, or strychnia 2 grains.
_Nervous symptoms_ will exceptionally demand the application of cold
water or even ice or snow to the head, with counterirritants to the
sides of the neck or chest, and the internal use of bromides, iodides,
chloral or other nerve sedative.
Other complications must be treated according to their indications.
As the skin becomes cooler and more moist, and the pulse slower and
fuller, a tonic and stimulating treatment may be desirable. Gentian 4
drs., saltpeter 4 drs., sal-ammoniac 2 drs. may be given night and
morning, or in case of great debility ammonia carbonate may replace the
sal-ammoniac. Or the gentian may be replaced by nux vomica, and the
ammoniacal preparations by alcoholic ones.
When prostration becomes extreme and stimulants and bitters appear
inadequate, transfusion of blood from a healthy horse may save the
patient’s life, or a normal salt solution sterilized may be introduced
into the vein.
The first method is accomplished through a caouchouc tube with a short
tube of silver inserted in each end; the jugular groove of each horse is
washed and disinfected, and the vein opened; the tube disinfected with a
salicylic acid solution, and cleared out with boiled water is inserted
upward into the vein of the sound horse, and when the blood begins to
flow the other end is inserted downward into the vein of the sick one.
In this way the blood is allowed to flow from the one to the other, the
finger being kept on the pulse of the patient to detect any faltering,
which like heaving up of the head or rolling of the eyes, may be taken
to indicate undue arterial tension, or disturbed brain circulation, and
should be the signal for an arrest of the flow. To effect this, pinch
the tube in the centre, and wait a minute or so; if the symptoms subside
the current may be reopened and a little more carefully admitted, but if
not the tube may be withdrawn and the wounds pinned up.
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