182 PKACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



DIAEEH(EA. 



Give the synonym. 



Alvus soluta; alvine flux; purging; scouring. 



What is the definition ? 



It is a too frequent and loose evacuation of the faecal matter 

 from the intestines. 



Give the causes. 



The kind of food; sudden change of food, soft food, frozen 

 food, bad food. 



Large draughts of water, stagnant water, purgatives; it may 

 be associated with certain blood diseases, lung diseases, intestinal 

 affections, or it may be produced by micro-organisms. 



Horses of certain conformations seem predisposed to diarrhoea; 

 those with a narrow body, high hips. 



What is the treatment ? 



Diarrhoea is often an effort of nature to get rid of an irritant, 

 and therefore we should not be too hasty in stopping a diarrhoea, 

 as constipation, enteritis, and death may be the result. 



Starch in the drinking-water (one-half pound to a pail of 

 water); chalk is also used, one chalk ball in half a pail of water. 

 Flaxseed-tea is good. Then again, astringents, as opium, which 

 arrests secretions. 



Tannin, mercury with chalk, catechu, sugar of lead, alum, and 

 the like, may be used. 



Eest is important ; in chronic cases, give drinking-water at 

 least an hour before driving. 



CONSTIPATION. 



Give the synonyms. 



Alvus adstricta; intestinal torpor; costiveness. 



What is constipation ? 



It is a functional disorder due to insufficient secretion or in- 

 nervation, and characterized by the retention of the faecal matter. 



