GASTRITIS 273 



of green meat, beginning with the first cut of rye -grass in April, and 

 ending with vetches in August, or as soon as the seed-pods become 

 developed. 



An animal that has been once the subject of chronic indigestion should 

 never be supplied with oats kiln-dried, or indifferently-harvested or doubt- 

 ful hay; and the so-called "mixtures" which often contain Indian vetches, 

 or "peas" as they are termed by dealers, should not be admitted into the 

 stable. 



The want of water has been often proved to be a cause of indigestion, 

 as some horses will only take a very small quantity at a time, and the 

 groom who offers it regularly in a pail does not suspect the fact that 

 a horse is not getting enough. The objections to having water always 

 beside a horse must be made to give way in individual cases, as animals 

 known to be " sippers " will do well if allowed to drink in their own 

 way, i.e. small quantities at frequent intervals, while allowing the bucket 

 to pass them after taking a wholly inadequate quantity. 



An occasional aperient is found to be beneficial with some animals, 

 and as a preliminary measure in the constipated, an aloetic or physic- 

 ball may be tried. In animals disposed to distension of the belly a small 

 close of linseed -oil occasionally is recommended, and salt with the food 

 in regular quantities daily will prove beneficial. Calumba or gentian- 

 root powder, combined with bicarbonate of soda, is also found valuable 

 where flatulence exists and the appetite is indifferent. Iron in its various 

 forms is not advisable in those cases where constipation is a prominent 

 symptom, but it is a valuable adjunct to the vegetable bitters above 

 named for those subjects of chronic indigestion with a tendency to loose- 

 ness of the bowels. The detection of worms in the excrement will, of 

 course, point to the use of worm medicines before entering upon general 

 treatment intended to combat the condition brought about by their 

 presence. In addition to a suitable diet and medicinal agents, the work 

 or exercise should be made as regular in amount as possible, and its effect 

 noted. If the horse too easily perspires, it may be concluded that he is 

 doing more than is likely to benefit him. Removal of a heavy winter 

 coat will sometimes prove helpful, while clothing and bandaging and 

 plenty of friction to the skin are recommended. 



GASTRITIS 



Definition. — Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, 

 especially involving the more highly vascular or villous portion contiguous 

 with the intestine. It differs from mere gastric irritation or functional 



