84 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



diarrhoeal discharges, loss of appetite, tongue furred and moist; 

 later, glazed; thirst, which is prominent; abdomen swollen and 

 painful. 



The most important symptom is the evacuation from the howels, 

 which is at first liquid, fetid odor, and admixed with blood, and 

 therefore called bloody flux. The discharges are very irritating to 

 the mucous membrane, causing colicky pains and tenesmus. Ema- 

 ciation takes place rapidly, the discharge becomes involuntary, and 

 there are symptoms of asthenia; the animals die, generally, from 

 exhaustion. 



Give the prognosis. 



The milder cases recover, while the cases with ulceration and 

 bloody discharges usually die. 



If the case be complicated the prognosis is grave. 



What is the duration ? 



The average duration is from seven to ten days to four weeks. 



Outline the treatment. 



Try to get rid of the irritating material in the intestines by 

 an oleaginous purge, which, however, should be used with care. 



Mori>hine hypodermically is indispensable to relieve the pain 

 and straining. 



Large doses of bismuth (2 to 4 drams) every two or three 

 hours are useful, being an internal antiseptic. 



Very small doses of bichloride of mercury; other drugs indi- 

 cated are ipecacuanha, chalk, tannic acid, copper, alum, zinc sul- 

 phate, lead acetate. 



Locally, moist heat to the abdomen. 



Injections of water, at the temperature of the body, containing 

 astringents, relieve the straining. Silver nitrate (20 to 60 grains to 

 the pint), injecting 2 to 4 quarts or more. Quinine (1-5000, or 

 1-2500, or 1-1000) may be used. Injections are not without danger, 

 so care should be used. A cocaine suppository may be used before 

 the injection, to overcome the straining. 



The diet should be light, consisting of bran mashes, oatmeal 

 gruel, etc. 



