DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 73 



symptoms are as in other forms of ()l)struotion colic. The history of 

 the case is of much service in diag^nosing the trouble. The treatment 

 consists in the ailministration of laxatives. One may give 1 (juart of 

 raw linseed oil and follow it the next day with 1 pound of (Ilauber's 

 !-alt dissolved in a (juart of warm water. Strychnia may be given in 

 doses of 1 grain two or three times daily. If the stagnant nuiss of 

 feces is in the rectum, it must be removed with the hand. 



Ahnornud (/roirfhs, such as tumors or fibrous tissue, producing 

 contraction or stricture, may be causes of obstruction. The colic 

 caused by these conditions is chronic. The attacks occur at gradually 

 shortening intervals and become progressively more severe. lielief is 

 art'oidcd by the use of pui'gatives that render the feces soft and thin 

 and thus enable them to pass the obstruction, but in time the con- 

 tiacted place is liable to close so far that passage is impossible and 

 the horse will die. 



Flatulent colic (ty^ipanitic colic, wind colic, or bloat). — 

 Among the most frequent causes of this form of colic are to be men- 

 tioned sudden changes of feed, too long fasting and feed then given 

 while the animal is exhausted, new hay or grain, large quantities of 

 feed that is green or that has lain in the manger for some time and 

 become sour, indigestible feed, irregular teeth, crib biting, and, in 

 fact, anything that produces indigestion may produce flatulent colic. 



Si/mptoms. — The symptoms of Avind colic are not so suddenly 

 (leveloped nor so severe as those of cramp colic. At first the horse 

 is noticed to be dull, paws slightly, and may or may not lie dotvn. 

 The pains from the start are continuous. The belly enlarges, and 

 by striking it in front of the haunches a drumlike sound results. 

 If not soon relieved the above symptoms are aggravated, and in 

 addition difficult breathing, bloodshot eyes, and red mucous mem- 

 branes, l(»iid tumultuous heai't beat, profuse perspiration, trembling 

 of front legs, sighing respiration, staggering from side to side are 

 noticed, and. finally, plunging foiward dead. The diagnostic symp- 

 tom of flatulent colic is the distention of the bowels with gas, 

 detected by the bloated appearance and resonance on percussion. 



Trmtment. — The treatment for wind colic difl'ers very greatly 

 from that of cramp colic. Absorbents are of some .«;ervice, and 

 charcoal may be given in any quantity. Relaxants and antispas- 

 modics are alsf) beneficial in this foim of colic. Chloral hydi'ate not 

 only pos.sesses these cpialities, but it also is an antifermeut and a 

 pain reliever. It is, then, particularly well adapted to the treatment 

 of wind colic, and should be given in the same-sized doses and in 

 the mannei- directed foi- spasmodic colic. Diluted alcohol oi* whisky 

 may be given, or arf)matic spirits of ammonia in 1-ounce doses at 

 >hort intervals. 



