38 DRY GRIPES. 



CHAP. VIII. 



THE DRY GRIPES, OR COLIC. 



This disorder, like the former, is often very dis- 

 tressing to the horse, and is attended with immi- 

 nent danger. It is first discovered by the horse's 

 frequent motion in straining to dung ; the rectum 

 appears to be loaded, and visibly pressed to tlie 

 fundament, which brings on a constant straining 

 to expel the faeces. This is first perceived by the 

 frequent and quick motion of the horse's tail ; and 

 by his often endeavouring to stale, but he can only 

 do it in small quantities, which is occasioned by a 

 load of dung pressing on the neck of the bladder. 

 The dry colic, or gripes, seldom requires any other 

 assistance than a clyster (see No. 12, p. 29, or 

 No. 16, p. 33) after a small hand has been dipped 

 therein, and passed up the fundament, to bring 

 away the hardened dung that is lodged in the 

 great gut. Or, instead of the afore-mentioned 

 clysters, the following may be used. 



(RECIPE, No. 19.) 



Purgative Clyster. 



Tare — Warm gruel, four quarts ; 



Then dissolve one handful of common salt, 

 two ounces of Epsom salts, and half a pound 



