70 THE ARMY HORSE. 



not SO severe as in spasmodic colic, but more constant. With 

 the increase of swelling the breathing becomes more difficult, 

 anxiety and restlessness are shown, w^alking is painful, and the 

 animal staggers, lies down and rolls, but only for a short time. 

 Treatment. — Place the horse in a large, roomy stall, and give 

 the following drench: Sulphuric ether 2 ounces, aromatic 

 spirits of ammonia 1 ounce, fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, 

 water to make 1 pint. Repeat in one hour if necessary. 

 Should the animal not be relieved after the second dose, admin- 

 ister a purgative. Cold-water injections into the rectum are 

 sometimes of advantage. If the abdomen continues to distend 

 with gas, the trocar and canula must be used. This is an 

 instrument for puncturing the intestine, but should be used 

 only by one who understands the operation. The instrument, 

 as well as the seat of the operation, should be thoroughly dis- 

 infected. 



ENTERITIS — INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 



Cause. — This disease is sometimes due to the action of cold : 

 sudden chilling when the body is in a perspiring condition, the 

 swallowing of very cold water, of frozen or frost-covered 

 fodder, etc. It is sometimes a complication of the colics and 

 is frequently seen as a result of impaction or twisting of the 

 bowels. 



Syrnptoms. — The mucous membrane of the nose, mouth, and 

 eyes is congested and reddened, the mouth is hot and dry. 

 Respiration is increased, pulse is hard and rapid, temperature 

 is elevated, 103° to 105° F. Colicky pains are continuous; the 

 horse walks about the stall, paws, lies down carefully, rolls, and 

 tries to halance himself on his hack. As a rule the bowels are 

 constipated, but wdien this disease is due to irritating foods or 

 medicines purgation and flatulency may be present. 



The small, hard pulse ; high temperature ; aged and anxious 

 appearance of the face ; continuous pain, which is increased by 

 pressure upon the abdomen ; position of the horse when down, 

 and coldness of the ears and legs, will enable anyone to diagnose 

 a case of enteritis. AMien mortification (death) of the bowels 

 sets in, all pain ceases and the animal will stand quietly, some- 

 times for several hours. Toward the last he sighs, breathes 

 hard, staggers and pitches about, and dies in a state of delirium. 



It is a very serious disease and in the majority of cases proves 

 fatal. Death may take place in six hours, or not until after 

 several days. 



