Common Diseases of the Horse 207 



Causes. — As in the human being, improperly assimilated food, 

 causing indigestion, is in the main part responsible; but too much 

 or too little food, unsuitable food, long periods of abstinence, 

 food given at improper times, food of bad quality, drinking large 

 quantities of cold water when heated, or on an empty stomach, 

 worms and other internal parasites, and calculi, commonly known 

 as stones, are all common causes of the disease. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of spasmodic colic usually occur 

 very suddenly, and are manifested by restlessness, pawing the 

 ground with the fore limbs, stamping, kicking, turning the head 

 frequently to the side, endeavouring to strike the belly with the 

 hind feet, frequently lying down or attempting to do so and 

 rising soon again, increased pulse rate, and sweating which is 

 generally profuse. All or any of these occur in simple spasmodic 

 colic, which as a rule lasts anywhere from ten minutes to several 

 hours. An affected animal may even continue to feed, but will 

 be again seized by the painful spasms. The pain is not constant, 

 but, as the name indicates, is spasmodic. Flatulent colic, for which 

 gas formed by fermentation is responsible, in addition to pre- 

 senting the above symptoms, is accompanied by great distention 

 and tenseness of the abdomen. 



Treatment. — Treatment consists first of all in relieving the pain. 

 In spasmodic colic a sedative or a diffusible stimulant must be 

 given as soon as possible after the symptoms are noticed. An 

 ounce of laudanum and two ounces of sweet spirits of nitre given 

 in a large wine bottle full of warm water is an excellent remedy; 

 or, if the laudanum is not procurable, the sweet spirits of nitre 

 may be given with the same quantity of aromatic spirits of 

 ammonia (sal volatile). In the latter case, the mixture will require 

 more dilution with water or the mouth will become scalded, and 

 at least a quart of warm water or gruel will be required. If these 

 remedies do not act within an hour or so, expert advice will be 

 necessary. Until that arrives, however, a little embrocation may 

 be applied to the belly wall, and rubbed in on each side with straw 

 wisps. If the pain still continues, hot -water blankets can be 

 fastened right round the belly. If this is done, it is necessary 

 that when the blankets are removed the parts should be well 

 dried, and rubbed with a little embrocation or methylated spirits 

 in order to obviate the risk of a chill. It is also advisable to rug 

 the horse up for a time. In the absence of diffusible stimulants 

 such as have been mentioned, any other available stimulant may 

 be used. For this purpose half a pint of whisky, given in a quart 

 of warm water or gruel, or a pint or two of beer — the older the 



