COMMON AILMENTS 511 



not passed, the rectum should be manually explored and 

 back-raked, and an enema of tepid water given to promote 

 the action of the bowels. The belly, ears, and legs should be 

 well and continuously rubbed," the animal being sheeted and 

 allowed to lie down. 



Flatulent Colic is due to the fermentation of food and 

 consequent generation of gases in the stomach and intestines, 

 often the result of drinking water after a feed of green clover, 

 vetches, or sainfoin. This is a more serious condition than 

 simple colic, owing to the danger of rupture of the distended 

 parts or of suffocation by pressure on the diaphragm, pre- 

 venting the proper functioning of the heart and lungs. 

 Symptoms. "The abdomen is blown out (hoven), particu- 

 larly in the right flank, the pain is continuous, and the 

 breathing rapid the nostrils being greatly dilated ; the 

 animal lies down gently, gas passes by the rectum, and the 

 body is covered by cold sweats, the extremities are cold, and 

 there are signs of great distress. Treatment. Promote the 

 free escape of gas by using enemas, and give a draught of 

 linseed oil, I pint, and 2 oz. of turpentine. If this fails to 

 counteract the formation of gases and so give relief, the 

 abdomen must be punctured, preferably in the right flank (to 

 get into the caecum or great colon), at a point equidistant 

 from the point of the haunch, the edge of the last rib, and the 

 ends of the lumbar processes. The hair should be first 

 clipped and the part washed with a disinfectant (as Jeyes' 

 fluid), then an incision made through the skin with a sharp 

 knife or lance, and lastly, the puncture, in a downward and 

 forward direction, with a special trocar and cannula previously 

 disinfected, and the gas allowed to escape slowly. When the 

 cannula is removed the wound should be closed with some 

 form of plaster." 



Lymphangitis, Weed, or Monday-morning-evil is an 

 inflammation affecting the lymphatic glands and vessels of a 

 limb, usually one of the hind limbs. Coarse, round-boned, 

 underbred, heavy horses are much more liable to attack than 

 the light-legged breeds. The commonest cause of weed is 

 the keeping in the stable, without exercise, of highly fed 

 animals which have been accustomed to regular work, and 

 continuing to feed them as if they were working. With 

 cessation of work the corn should be reduced, and a bran 



