72 DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



Constipation or costiveness is often witnessed in the horse, and 

 more particularly in the foal. The colt should always get the 

 first ol the mother's milk, for, at first, this milk possesses laxative 

 properties. Whenever the foal's bowels fail to act, and more 

 particularly if there are signs of colicy pains, or straining, some- 

 thing should he done for it. In most cases it will only be neces- 

 sary to give a few injections of soapy water per rectum and to 

 introduce the finger through the anus to break down any hard- 

 ened feces found there. If this fails to regulate the bowels, give 

 from 2 to 4 ounces of castor oil, according to age. Linseed oil is 

 also good for such purposes. Constipation in adult horses is gen- 

 erally due to long feeding on dry, innutritions food, lack of in- 

 testinal secretions, lack of exercise or water supply, derangements 

 of the liver, etc. It may also follow indigestion, as well as other 

 diseases, or any derangement of the digestive system. 



Symptoms. At first there may be a slight diarrhoea, which 

 soon ceases. If any manure is passed, it consists of hard pellets, 

 and perhaps covered with mucus. The animal is dull and 

 sluggish, and shows abdominal pains in the usual way. He rolls 

 and paws, but not in a manner so violent as in colic. A symp- 

 tom often noticed, especially when in connection with the large 

 intestines, is a tendency on the part of the animal to back his 

 buttocks up against the wall or manger and press upon the parts. 

 More or less protrusion of the rectum is noticed on acount of 

 frequent straining while endeavoring to expel the feces. 



Treatment. In many cases a change to light, sloppy diet, as 

 bran mash, etc., or a run at grass, is all that is required. If 

 colicy pains are present a physic must be given: 



