If greater strength be requisite, obtain it by the addition of tincture of gentian, every ounce of which is equal, when combined, to one drachm of aloes.
Colic always commences suddenly; it starts into life ready armed for mischief. The animal may be apparently well and feeding. Without visible cause the head is raised and the occupation ceases. Should the pain last, the hind foot is lifted to strike the belly, and the fore leg begins to scrape the pavement. The groom, who has merely left to procure a pail of water from an adjacent pump, on his return discovers his charge exhibiting evident signs of uneasiness. As the man stares, wondering what can be the matter, the horse is pawing and the nose slowly points to the flank. All then is explained. Fret is the matter, and it would be "fret," should the disease prove to be of a very different nature.
While the horse is being watched, every indication of disturbance may disappear. The countenance tranquilizes and the nose is again inserted into the manger. A few minutes elapse and the pangs are renewed. The second fit may last longer and be slightly more severe. Then another, but a shorter period of ease follows: thus the visitations will ensue upon spaces of entire exemption from anguish. The recommencement of agony usually is denoted by a disposition to lie down. The animal crouches; next it turns round as though the intention was to stretch out the limbs; but suddenly the erect attitude is assumed—the design, lately so nearly executed, having been forgotten. Then pawing and striking at the abdomen quickly follow; and while the horse looks toward the flank, a morbid fire is perceptible in the eye.
THE SECOND STAGE OF SPASMODIC COLIC.
No relief being afforded, the pains lengthen, while the intervals of tranquillity become shorter. The action grows more fierce and the aspect more wild. The pawing is more brief, but more energetic; often during its continuance the foot is raised and violently stamped upon the ground. The animal now does not attempt to feed, but stares for a minute at a time, with an inquiring gaze, toward the abdomen. At length, without warning or preparation, the body leaps upward to fall violently upon the floor. The shock is often fearful; but the animal in its torment appears to derive ease from the violence. Being down, it rolls from side to side and kicks about, until one of its feet, touching the wall, enables the horse to poise itself upon the back.
THE THIRD STAGE OF SPASMODIC COLIC.
Should relief not be quickly provided, colic soon passes into enteritis. The pulse, from being unchanged at first, then simply quickened by pain, grows harder and more wiry. The intermissions are lost, and though the anguish may for a space be less, yet in its continuity it is more exhausting.
On the appearance of colic, the morbid action ought to be immediately counteracted. Aloes in solution is generally administered; such a medicine, unless guarded as before recommended, is by no means advisable. Sulphuric ether and laudanum should be in the possession of every horse proprietor. One pint of each—the two being mixed together, with one ounce of rank oil floating on the top to prevent evaporation or mistakes—will be perfectly safe in any household. The mixture should, however, be well shaken before it is employed: two ounces of the combination in half a pint of water constitutes an excellent colic drink. Give three of these, one every ten minutes. If no improvement be displayed, double the quantity of the active agents and continue the drenches at the period stated: these medicines should be persevered with until the symptoms disappear.