DISEASES OP THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 865 



VI. Constipation. 



This is the condition which exists when there is not sufficient moisture 

 in the stomach and bowels, and the faeces are passed tardily and in hard, 

 dry lumps. It is always aggravated, and often caused, by too dry food, 

 insufficient or impure water and too little exercise. It is often symptom- 

 atic of other diseases, especially of liver complaints. 



How to know it. — It is recognized by the hard, dry manure, which ie 

 also sometimes glazed. It is apt to run into inflammation of the bowelsj 

 colic, etc., and when existing as a symptom of other diseases, nearly always 

 indicates serious derangement of the system. 



What to do. — If it is in the winter or late in the fall, give from one to 

 two quarts of melted lard ; if in the spring or summer, give recipe No. 

 8. Give laxative food with more bulk, and plenty of good, pure water 

 to drink. Salt the cattle at least twice a week in winter, and three times 

 in summer. If a mild case, it is quite possible that laxative food, with a 

 handful of salt and plenty of water, will be all that is needed. Injections 

 of warm water and soap are valuable adjuncts to either laxatives or 

 purgatives. 



VH. Diarrhoea, or Scours. 



This is caused by improper and inferior food, irregularity in feeding, 

 etc., and like its opposite, constipation, often accompanies other dis- 

 eases, particularly indigestion and dyspepsia, especially if dependent upon 

 an acid condition of the system. 



How to know it. — The manure is passed much too often, and in 4 

 thin, watery condition, at times with considerable straining. If it runs 

 on long, there is a feverish condition of the stomach and bowels, with 

 great thirst, but little or no appetite ; rumination is suspended ; the milb 

 dries up ; the belly is tucked up and the back arched ; tlie coat stares ; 

 in some cases there is consideral)le flatulence. The further progress ot 

 the disease is marked by rapid loss of flesh and animal heat, the temper- 

 ature falling more and more below the normal ; the pulse rises as the 

 weakness increases, and at length becomes imperceptible; and death fol- 

 lows, as a result of the cessation of 

 the digestive functions, and conse- 

 quent lack of nutrition. It is further 

 hastened by the weakening effects 

 of the excessive discharges. It is 

 particularly fatal to young calves, 

 among whom it is quite common. 



What to do. — Usually, the best 

 plan is to give alkalines along with 

 astringents, with anodyne enemas. chronic dysentery. 



It Is often the case, however, that laxatives, or even purgatives, are 



