CHAPTER VI. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND 

 LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 



Diseases of the Digestive System. 



spasmodic colic gripes. 



(Plate XII.) 



Spasmodic colic is a painful contraction of the intestines. 

 The usual seat of the trouble is the small intestines, and it is 

 usually caused by internal or external cold. 



Sijmptoms. — The suffering is very violent but of short dura- 

 tion; the spasms appear suddenly and disappear with the same 

 rapidity. The horse paws, stamps, looks around at his flanks, 

 lies down and rolls, and if the pain is very severe, sweats pro- 

 fusely. During the attack a few pellets of dung may be passed, 

 and attempts to pass urine are frequently made. This latter 

 symptom has misled many persons to the impression that the 

 disease was located in the " urinary organs." 



Treatment. — Place the animal in a large, well-bedded stall 

 and give the following: Cannabis indica 2 to 4 drams, aro- 

 matic spirits ammonia 1 ounce, water to make 1 pint. Or, 

 fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, nitrous ether 2 ounces, water 

 to make 1 pint. Either one of these prescriptions can be given 

 at one dose and repeated in three-quarters of an hour. If the 

 animal is not relieved in one hour, give a purgative of aloes 

 (physic ball). 



Warm-water injections, per rectum, are often of advantage. 



I-LATULENT COLIC. 



Flatulent colic is generally due to the animal having eaten 

 improper foods, such as musty oats, sour bran, green com, etc., 

 which interfere with the process of digestion and give oft' much 

 gas. It is sometimes caused merely by a sudden change of diet 

 from oats to corn. This trouble is also frequently observed in 

 horses that have the habit of wind sucking. 



Symptom.'i. — The rapid swelling of the belly constitutes the 

 characteristic symptom. The abdomen is distended, the pain is 



(69) 



