Bot THE HORSE. 
Ife again becomes convulsed, and in a few more struggles less violent than 
the former he expires.” Analogy would lead any careful pathologist to 
suppose that such symptoms as these are due to some lesion of a serous 
and not a muscular tissue, and, as I before remarked, I have satisfied 
myself that such is really the case. I have seen lymph, pus, and serum 
effused in some cases of enteritis, and mortification extending to a large 
surface of the peritoneal coat in others, but I have never examined a 
single case without one or the other of these morbid results. It may be 
said that so long as the symptoms are correctly described their exact seat 
is of no consequence ; but in this instance it is probable that the ordinary 
definition of enteritis as an inflammation of the muscular coat may lead 
to a timid practice in its treatment, which would be attended with the 
worst results. I have no fault to find with the usual descriptions of the 
two diseases, or with their ordinary treatment, but I protest against the 
definition which is given of them. 
AN EXAMINATION OF THE CAUSE of inflammation of the bowels is the 
only means by which the one form can be distinguished from the other. 
If it has been brought about from exposure to cold, or from over-stimu- 
lating medicines given for colic, the probability is that the serous covering 
of the intestines themselves is chiefly involved ; while if it has followed 
castration it may generally be concluded that the peritoneal lining of the 
abdominal muscles has taken on inflammatory action by an immediate 
extension from the serous lining of the inguinal canal, which is continuous 
with it. In each case, however, the symptoms are as nearly as may be 
the same, and without knowing the previous history I believe no one 
could distinguish the one disease from the other—nor should the treat- 
ment vary in any respect. 
THE syMpPToMs of peritoneal inflammation vary in intensity, and in the 
‘rapidity of their development, but they usually show themselves in the 
following order:—At first there is simple loss of appetite, dulness of eye, 
and a general uneasiness, which are soon followed by a slight rigor or 
shivering. The pulse becomes rapid, but small and wiry, and the horse 
becomes very restless, pawing his litter, and looking back at his sides in a 
wistful and anxious manner. In the next stage all these signs are aggra- 
vated ; the hind legs are used to strike at but not touch the belly ; and 
the horse lies down, rolls on his back and struggles violently. The pulse 
becomes quicker and harder, but is still small. The belly is acutely 
tender and hard to the touch, the bowels are costive, and the horse is con- 
stantly turning round, moaning, and regarding his flanks with the most 
anxious expression of countenance. Next comes on the stage so graphi- 
cally described by Mr. Percivall in the passage which I have quoted, the 
whole duration of the attack being from twelve to forty-eight hours in 
acute cases, and extending to three or four days in those which are 
denominated sub-acute. 
In the treatment of this disease, as in all those implicating serous 
membranes, blood must be taken largely, and ina full stream, the quantity 
usually required to make a suitable impression being from six to nine 
quarts. The belly should be fomented with very hot water, by two men 
holding against it a doubled blanket, dipped in that fluid, which should 
be constantly changed, to keep up the temperature. The bowels should 
be back-raked, and the following drench should be given every six hours 
till it operates, which should be hastened by injections of warm water. 
Take'of Linseed oiliws. 406) seas) Fo. ee Sime 
Landanum) iif. ishaeiist eels tenes «= s2rounces: 
