CLYSTERS.

Remarks.—As the more general use of clysters is recommended by the author, especially in acute diseases, he has thought proper to introduce, in this part of the work, a few remarks on them, with examples of their different forms. They serve not only to evacuate the rectum of its contents, but assist to evacuate the intestines, and serve also to convey nourishment into the system; as in cases of locked-jaw, and great prostration. They soften the hardened excrement in the rectum, and cause it to be expelled; besides, by their warm and relaxing powers, they act as fomentations. A stimulating clyster in congestion of the brain, or lungs, will relieve those parts by counter-irritation. An animal that is unable to swallow may be supported by nourishing clysters; for the lacteals, which open into the inner cavity of the intestines, absorb, or take up, the nourishment, and convey it into the thoracic duct, as already described. Some persons deny the utility of injections. We are satisfied on that point, and are able to convince any one, beyond a reasonable doubt, that fluids are absorbed in the rectum, notwithstanding the opinion of some men to the contrary.

In administering clysters, it ought always to be observed that the fluids should be neither too hot nor too cold: they should be about the temperature of the blood. The common sixteen-ounce metal syringe, with a wooden pipe about six inches in length, and gradually tapering from base to point, is to be preferred. It is, after being oiled, much more easily introduced into the fundament than one that is considerably smaller; and, having a blunt point, there is no danger of hurting the animal, or wounding the rectum.

The following injections are suitable for all kinds of animals. The quantity, however, should be regulated according to the size of the patient. Thus a quart will suffice for a sheep or pig, while three or four quarts are generally necessary in the case of horses and cattle. If clysters are intended to have a nutritive effect, they must be introduced in the most gentle manner, and not more than one pint should be given at any one time, for fear of exciting the expulsive action of the rectum. In constriction and intussusception of the intestines, and when relaxing clysters are indicated, they should not be too long persevered in, for falling of the rectum has been known, in many instances, to arise from repeated injections. Efforts should be made to relax the whole animal by warmth and moisture externally, and in the use of antispasmodic teas, rather than to place too much dependence on clysters.

FORMS OF CLYSTERS.

Laxative Clyster.

Warm water,3 or 4 quarts.
Linseed oil,8 ounces.
Common salt, (fine,)1 table-spoonful.
Another.
Warm water,4 quarts.
Soft soap,1 gill.
Fine salt,half a table-spoonful.

Use.—Either of the above clysters is useful in obstinate constipation, "stoppage," or whenever the excrement is hard and dark colored.

Emollient Clyster.

Slippery elm bark,2 ounces.
Boiling water,2 quarts.

Let them simmer over the fire for a few minutes, then strain through a fine sieve, and inject. The following articles may be substituted for elm: flaxseed, lily roots, gum arabic, poplar bark, Iceland moss.

Use.—In all cases of irritation and inflammation of the intestines and bladder.

Stimulating Clyster.

Thin mucilage of slippery elm or linseed tea,3 quarts.
African cayenne,[25]1 tea-spoonful.
Another.
Powdeered ginger,half a table-spoonful.
Boiling water,3 quarts.

When cool, inject.

Use.—In all cases, when the rectum and small intestines are inactive, and loaded with excrement, or gas.

Anodyne Clyster.

Lady's slipper, (cypripedium,)1 ounce.
Camomile flowers,1 ounce.
Boiling water,3 quarts.

Let the mixture stand a short time, then strain through a fine sieve, when it will be fit for use.

Use.—To relieve pain and relax spasms.

Diuretic Clyster.

Linseed tea,3 quarts.
Oil of juniper,1 table-spoonful.

Or, substitute for the latter, cream of tartar, half an ounce.

Use.—This form of clyster may be used with decided advantage in all acute diseases of the urinary organs. This injection is useful in cases of red water, both in cattle and sheep; and when the malady is supposed to result from general or local debility, the addition of tonics (golden seal or gentian[26]) will be indicated.

Astringent Clyster.

Take an infusion of hardhack, strain, and add a table-spoonful of finely-pulverized charcoal to every three quarts of fluid.

Another.

An infusion of witch hazel.

Another.

Powdered bayberry bark,1 table-spoonful.
Boiling water,3 quarts.

When cool, it is fit for use.

Use.—Astringent injections are used in all cases where it is desired to contract the living fibre, as in scouring, dysentery, scouring rot, diarrhœa, bloody flux, falling of the womb, fundament, &c.

Nourishing Clyster.

Nourishing clysters are composed of thin gruel made from flour, &c.

Injection for Worms.

Make an infusion of pomegranate, (rind of the fruit,) and inject every night for a few days. This will rid the animal of worms that infest the rectum; but if the animal is infested with the long, round worm, (teres,) then half a pint of the above infusion must be given for a few mornings, before feeding.

Another for Worms.

Powdered lobelia,1 ounce.
Wood ashes,a handful.
Boiling water,3 quarts.

When cool, it is fit for use.

FOOTNOTES:

[24] Messrs. Parker & White, in Boston, have shown us an excellent machine used for the purpose of cutting cornstalks. Every farmer should have one in his possession.

[25] A large portion of the cayenne found in the stores is adulterated with logwood, and is positively injurious, as it would thus prove astringent.

[26] Their active properties may be extracted by infusion.