680 ENTERITIS. 



In all, or nearly all, which terminate fatally, we often ob- 

 serve previous to death — sometimes several hours before that 

 event occurs — an apparent improvement in the general appear- 

 ance of the horse, with a distinct relief from pain. This 

 relief from actual sufi'ering ought not to deceive us as to ulti- 

 mate results, did we carefully take into consideration the con- 

 dition of the symptoms individually and their relations to each 

 other. Although food in such instances may be partaken of, it 

 is either in an unconscious manner, or with so much listless- 

 ness as may not fail to attract attention ; while the haggard 

 expression of countenance is persistent, or even more marked, 

 than at an earlier period, the pulse steadily exhibiting less 

 volume and more irritability, while the respirations become 

 quicker, more catching, and of less extent. 



As the termination approaches the animal becomes stupid 

 and unconscious, stands propped against the wall, or wanders 

 listlessly around the box or shed when at liberty ; the mouth 

 becomes clammy and cold, the abdomen occasionally tym- 

 panitic, and the general surface-temperature lowered. Rarely 

 is there much struggling previous to death, which is usually 

 not long delayed after falling to the ground ; the animal, in 

 the latter stages of enteric inflammation, often persisting in 

 standing. 



Treatment. — Although a very large number of horses, 

 suffering from inflammation of the bowels, have been some 

 time previous to their being seen by the professional attendant 

 beyond the reach of medical treatment as far as recovery is 

 concerned, or which, if we were aware of the immediate cause of 

 the morbid action, would be considered alike hopeless from the 

 outset, still, as we may not be assured of either of these 

 conditions, and as it may not be denied that recoveries do 

 occur in some exceedingly doubtful cases, every attention 

 ou'^^ht to be directed to overcome the morbid action, or to 

 guide the animal safely through the different stages of the 

 process. 



At one time, probably more than in our day, all cases, 

 whether believed to be undoubtedly inflammatory or merely 

 exhibiting abdominal disturbance, were copiously bled. This 

 idea, however, that indiscriminate blood-letting is likely to be 

 productive of the greatest amount of good, is not one largely 



