NINTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X 407 
the ear to the flank, are diminished, or there is no sound, indicating ab- 
sence of motion of the bowels. The bowels may cease entirely to move. 
The pressure of the distended intestine upon the bladder may cause the 
horse to make frequent attempts to urinate. The pulse is but little 
changed at first, being full and sluggish; later, if this condition is not 
overcome, it becomes rapid and feeble. Horses may suffer from impac- 
tion of the bowels for a week, yet eventually recover, and cases extend- 
ing two or even three weeks have ended favorably. As a rule, however, 
they seldom last four or five days, many, in fact, dying sooner than this. 
The treatment consists of efforts to produce movement of the bowels 
and to prevent inflammation of the same from arising. A large cathartic 
is to be given as early as possible. Either of the following are recom- 
mended: Powdered Barbados aloes 1 ounce, calomel 2 drams, and powd- 
ered nux vomica 1 dram; or linseed oil 1 pint and croton oil 15 drops; 
or from 1 pint to 1 quart of castor oil may be given. Some favor the ad- 
ministration of Epsom or Glauber s salts, 1 pound, with i/4 pound of com- 
mon salt, claiming that this causes the horse to drink largely of water, 
and thus mechanically softening the impacted mass and favoring its 
expulsion. Whichever physic is selected, it is essential that a full dose 
be given. This is much better than small and repeated doses. It must 
be borne in mind that horses require about twenty-four hours in which to 
respond to a physic, and under no circumstances are physics to be re- 
peated sooner than this. If aloes has been given and has failed to operate 
at the proper time, oil or some different cathartic should then be ad- 
ministered. Allow the horse all the water he will drink. Calomel may 
be administered in half-dram doses, the powder being placed on the 
tongue, one dose every two hours until four doses are given. 
Enemas of glycerin, 2 to 4 ounces, are often beneficial. Rubbing or 
kneading of the abdominal walls and the application of stimulating lini- 
ments or strong mustard water will also, at times, favor the expulsion 
of this mass. Walking exercise must occasionally be given. If this treat- 
ment is faithfully carried out from the start the majority of cases will 
terminate favorably. Where relief is net obtained inflammation of the 
bowels may ensue and death follow from this cause. 
Constipation, or Gostiveness. — This is often witnessed in the horse, and 
particularly in the foal. Many colts die every year from failure on the 
part of the attendant to note the condition of the bowels soon after birth. 
Whenever the foal fails to pass any feces, and in particular if it presents 
any signs cf colicky pains — straining, etc. — immediate attention must be 
given it. As a rule, it will only be necessary to give a few injections of 
soapy water in the rectum and to introduce the finger through to anus 
to break down any hardened mass of dung found there. If this is not 
effective, a purgative must be given. Oils are the best for these youns 
animals, and preferably castor oil, giving from 2 to 4 ounces. The foal 
should always get the first of the mother's milk, as this milk, for a few 
(iays, possesses decided laxative properties. If a mare, while suckling, is 
taking laudanum, morphine, atropia, or similar medicines, the foal should 
be fed during this time by hand and the mare milked upon the ground. 
Constinaticn in adult horses is often the result of long feeding on dry. 
