DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES. 53 



Impaction of the large intestines. — This is a very common bowel 

 trouble and one which, if not promptly recognized and properly 

 treated, results in death. It is caused by overfeeding, especially of 

 bvdky food containing an excess of indigestible residue ; old, dry, hard 

 hay, or stalks when largel}' fed ; deficiency of secretions of the intesti- 

 nal tracts; lack of water; Avant of exercise, medicines, etc. 



Symptoms. — Impaction of the large bwvels is to be diagnosed by a 

 slight abdominal pain, Avhich may disappear for a day or two to reap- 

 pear with more violence. The feces are passed somewhat more fre- 

 quently, but in smaller quantities and more dry ; the abdomen is full, 

 but not distended with gas; the horse at first is noticed to i)aw and 

 soon begins to look back at his sides. Probably one of the most char- 

 acteristic symptoms is the position assumed Avhen down. He lies flat 

 on his side, head and legs extended, occasionally raising his head to 

 look toward his flank ; he remains on his side for from five to fifteen 

 minutes at a time. Evidently this j^osition is the one giving the most 

 freedom from pain. He rises at times, walks about the stall, paws, 

 looks at his sides, backs up against the stall, which he presses with his 

 tail, and soon lies down again, assuming his favored position. The 

 intestinal sounds, as heard bj^ applying the ear to the flank, are dimin- 

 ished, or there is no sound, indicating absence of motion of the bowels. 

 The boAvels 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 impaction of the bowels 

 for a week, yet eventually recover, and cases extending two or 

 even three weeks have ended favorably. As a rule, however, they sel- 

 dom last over four or five daj^s, many, in fact, dying sooner than this. 



The treatTuent 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 follow- 

 ing are recommended: Powdered Barbados aloes 1 ounce, calomel 2 

 drams, and powdered 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 administration of Epsom or Glauber's salts, 

 1 pound, with one-quarter pound of common 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 phj^sics to be repeated 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 adminis- 

 tered. Allow the horse all the water he will drink. Calomel may be 



