84 NAVIN ON THE HOESE. 



of swelling, but far less than in windy colic. The absence of 

 swelling of the belly, in this kind of colic, is often thought to 

 be clear evidence that it is a case of lots. Avoid this miserable 

 humbug of bots. 



As the case progresses, the symptoms above described be- 

 come more alarming ; the breathing becomes hard ; the horse 

 heaves at the flanks, and groans with pain ; the pulse becomes 

 small and quick, indicating the progress of fatal inflammation. 



When the spells or paroxysms of pain become quicker in 

 their return, and severer and longer, with heaving at the 

 flanks, quickening of the pulse, and breathing very hard, the 

 case may be regarded as alarming, and no time should be lost 

 in applying treatment. On the other hand, when the symptoms 

 become less severe, a favorable termination of the case may be 

 soon expected. The horse gets well very quick in many in- 

 stances. 



The diseases for which spasmodic colic may be mistaken, are 

 flatulent colic and inflammation of the bowels— to say nothing 

 about hots. The symptoms by which to distinguish it from 

 flatulent colic have been pointed out under that disease, which 

 see. The same table showing the difference between flatulent 

 colic and inflammation of the bowels, will serve to distinguish 

 this disease from inflammation of the bowels. 



Causes. — An irregular and violent contraction or drawing 

 up of a portion of the intestines (or guts) is what produces the 

 pain, etc., which is called spasmodic colic. The muscular coat 

 of the guts is liable to be thrown into cramps, like the muscles 

 of the foot or calf of the leg. These cramps, continued and 

 repeated, is spasmodic or cramp colic. This kind of cramping 

 is likely to take place in horses whose digestive organs are not 

 in a healthy condition. Derangement of the liver, I am quite 

 certain, is often the cause of cramp colic. The attack may be 

 brought on by a large feed of dry food, drinking cold water when 

 hot, or exposure to sudden cold. 



Treatment. — The remedies to be relied on in this disease are 



