2o8 Common Diseases of the Horse 



better — with half an ounce of ginger added to either, will help to 

 relieve the pain. 



Opinions differ as to whether the horse attacked with spasmodic 

 abdominal pain should be allowed to lie down. Some veterinarians 

 will not allow it under any circumstances, and they keep an 

 attendant in the loose box with a whip to prevent him from 

 doing so. 



Others, the writer among the number, believe in allowing the 

 animal to lie down, particularly if he shows signs of doing so without 

 throwing himself down. At the same time every effort should be 

 used to prevent injury, which may occur from rolling and other 

 frenzied movements. During the interval of freedom from pain 

 walking exercise is beneficial. This helps to promote the action 

 of the bowels. 



A further debatable point is whether or not a physic ball 

 (dose of aloes) should be administered. Those in favour argue 

 that an irritant is present which should be removed as soon as 

 possible, and also that the bowel action should be speedily stimu- 

 lated. Those against such a course contend that to endeavour 

 to force the action of the bowel, which may be obstructed, or semi- 

 paralysed, will cause an unequal movement of it, and that in this 

 manner it may lead to one part becoming telescoped into the 

 other, or to a twisted gut. 



Either of these conditions is fatal. The writer considers the 

 administration of aloes or i to ij pt. of linseed oil advantageous, 

 and that if the attack lasts more than two hours it should be given. 



Flatulent Colic 



Flatulent colic differs from the spasmodic in that the pain 

 comes on gradually, but it is more lasting, becoming more acute 

 as the intestines fill with gas. Finally, the abdomen may become 

 enormously distended and be of a drum-like nature, causing great 

 pressure upon the diaphragm, or skirt, which is the tendinous 

 muscle separating the cavity of the chest from that of the 

 abdomen. 



The pressure exercised causes much difficulty in breathing, 

 because the lungs are confined in their action and cannot obtain 

 that amount of oxygen which the blood requires. 



To relieve the pressure the horse will frequently sit upon his 

 haunches like a dog, but appears to be afraid to lie down, as by so 

 doing greater pain is caused to the distended organ. 



Rupture of the stomach, bowel, or diaphragm is doubtless 



