In constipation there is a retention of the excrement, which becomes dry
and hard. It may arise from derangement of the liver and other parts of
the digestive apparatus: at other times, there is a loss of equilibrium
between the mucous and external surface, the secretion of the former
being deficient, and the external surface throwing off too much moisture
in the form of perspiration. In short, constipation, in nine cases out
of ten, is only a symptom of a more serious disorder in some important
function. The use of powerful purges is at all times attended with
danger, and in very many cases they fall short of accomplishing the
object. Mr. Youatt tells us that "a heifer had been feverish, and had
refused all food during five days; and four pounds of Epsom salts, and
the same quantity of treacle, and three fourths of a pint of castor oil,
and numerous injections, had been administered before any purgative
effect could be produced." Several cases have come under the author's
notice where large doses of aloes, salts, and castor oil had been given
without producing the least effect on the bowels, until within a few
minutes of the death of the animal. If the animal ever recovers from the
dangerous effects resulting from powerful purges, it is evident that the
delicate membranes lining the alimentary canal must lose their energy
and become torpid. All mechanical irritants--for purges are of that
class--divert the fluids of the body from the surface and kidneys,
producing watery discharges from the bowels. This may be exemplified by
a person taking a pinch of snuff; the irritating article comes in
contact with the mucous surfaces: they endeavor to wash off the
offending matter by secreting a quantity of fluid; this, together with
what is forced through the membranes in the act of sneezing, generally
accomplishes the purpose. A constant repetition of the vile habit
renders the parts less capable of self-defence; they become torpid, and
lose their natural power of resisting encroachments; finally, the
altered voice denotes the havoc made on the mucous membrane. This
explains the whole _modus operandi_ of artificial purging; and although,
in the latter case, the parts are not adapted to sneezing, yet there is
often a dreadful commotion, which has destroyed many thousands of
valuable animals. An eminent professor has said that "purgatives,
besides being uncertain and uncontrollable, often kill from the
dangerous debility they produce." The good results that sometimes appear
to follow the exhibition of irritating purges must be attributed to the
sanative action of the constitution, and not to the agent itself; and
the life of the patient depends, in all cases, on the existing ability
of the vital power to counteract the effects of purging, bleeding,
poisoning, and blistering.
The author does not wish to give the reader occasion to conclude that
purgatives can be entirely dispensed with; on the contrary, he thinks
that in many cases they are decidedly beneficial, when given with
discretion, and when the nature of the disease requires them; yet even
such cases, too much confidence should not be placed on them, so as to
exclude other and sometimes more efficient remedies, which come under
the head of laxatives, aperients, &c.
_Treatment._--If costiveness is suspected to be symptomatic of some
derangement, then a restoration of the general health will establish the
lost function of the bowels. In this case, purges are unnecessary; the
treatment will altogether depend on the symptoms. For example, suppose
the animal constipated; the white of the eye tinged yellow, head
drooping, and the animal is drowsy, and off its feed; then give the
following:--
Powdered mandrake, 1 tea-spoonful.
Castile soap, in shavings, quarter of an ounce.
Beef's gall, half a wine-glass.
Powdered capsicum, third of a table-spoon.
Dissolve the soap in a small quantity of hot water, then mix the whole
in three pints of thin gruel.
This makes a good aperient, and can be given with perfect safety in all
cases of constipation arising from derangement of the liver. The liquid
must be poured down the throat in a gradual manner, in order to insure
its reaching the fourth stomach. Aid the medicine by injections, and rub
the belly occasionally with straw.
Suppose the bowels to be torpid during an attack of inflammation of the
brain; then it will be prudent to combine relaxants and anti-spasmodics,
in the following form:--
Extract of butternut, half an ounce.
Powdered skunk cabbage, "
Cream of tartar, "
Powdered lobelia, 2 drachms.
First dissolve the butternut in two quarts of hot water; after which add
the remaining ingredients, and give it for a dose. The operation of this
prescription, like the preceding, must be aided by injection, friction,
and warm drinks made of hyssop or pine boughs.
Suppose the bowels to be constipated, at the same time the animal is
hide-bound, in poor condition, &c.; the aperient must then be combined
with tonics, as follows:--
Extract of butternut, half an ounce.
Rochelle salt, 4 ounces.
Golden seal, 1 ounce.
Ginger, 1 tea-spoonful.
Hot water, 3 quarts.
Dissolve and administer at a dose. In order to relieve the cold,
constricted, inactive state of the hide, recourse must be had to warmth,
moisture, and friction. A simple aperient of linseed oil may be given in
cases of stricture or intussusception of the bowels. The dose is one
pint.