310 The fcoofc of the Goat. 



generally effect a cure. The proportions for one dose are 

 about i oz. of Epsom salts to i drachm of ginger. 



Constipation. 



Constipation of the bowels only appears to any extent 

 in kids, and, like diarrhoea, occurs mostly after weaning, 

 when the stomach receives a change of food. It is not 

 often dangerous, however, and will generally yield to a 

 mild aperient in the form of an ounce of common salt, 

 or to one slightly stronger, as Joz. Epsom salts, adminis- 

 tered in a quarter of a pint of either warm water or 

 gruel. The diet should be of a relaxing character, with a 

 bran mash every other day. Particular care should be 

 taken to have plenty of rock salt accessible. 



'Diarrhoea and 'Dysentery. 



The outward appearances of these disorders being very 

 similar, I class them together, although in reality they 

 differ materially, the former meaning simple purging, and 

 being a natural effort of the bowels to get rid of irritating 

 matter; whereas the latter consists in inflammation of the 

 mucous membrane of the intestines, causing violent purg- 

 ing, and accompanied generally by fever and bloody 

 evacuations. As dysentery frequently results from 

 neglected diarrhoea, it is well not to allow the latter to 

 continue long before adopting remedial measures. It 

 often happens, however, that <a cure is effected, if taken 

 in hand early, by simple change of food, or even of 

 pasture; thus I have known cases of purging caused by 

 giving too much corn, and have cured them with green 

 meat without any medicine. Should this have no effect, 

 then medicine must be administered. I have found this 

 disorder very prevalent with kids that are brought up by 

 hand, it being caused by giving the animal too great a 

 quantity of milk after it has fasted. 



