DIGESTIVE, UKIXAHY, NEKVOIJS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 65 



Symptoins. — The rapid swelling of tlio belly constitutes the charac- 

 teristic symptom. The abdomen is distended, the pain is not so 

 severe as in spasmodic colic, but more constant. With the increase 

 of swellinji; the breathing becomes more difficult, anxiety and rest- 

 lessness are shown, walkinj^ is painful, and the animal staj:i:gers, lies 

 down and rolls, but only for a short time. 



Treatment. — Place the horse in a large, roomy stall, and give the 

 following drench: Sulphuric ether 2 ounces, aromatic spirits of 

 ammonia 1 ounce, fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, water to niukc 

 1 pint. Repeat in one hour if necessary. vShould the animal not 

 be relieved after the second dose, administer a purgative, (^old- 

 water injections into the rectum are sometimes of advantage. Jf 

 the abdomen continues to distend with gas, the trocar and canula 

 must be used. This is an instrument for puncturing the intestine, 

 but should be used only by one who understands the operation. 

 The instrument, as well as the seat of the operation, should be thor- 

 oughly disinfected. 



ENTERITIS — INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 



Cause. — This disease is sometimes due to the action of cold : 

 sudden chilling when the body is in a perspiring condition, the 

 swallowing of very cold water, of frozen or frost-covered fodder, 

 etc. It is sometimes a complication of the colics and is frequently 

 seen as a result of impaction or twisting of the bowels. 



iSywpiom^.— The mucous membrane of the nose, mouth, and eyes 

 is congested and reddened, the mouth is hot and dry. Respiration 

 is increased, pulse is hard and rapid, temperatun^ is elevated, 103° 

 to 105° F. Colicky pains are continuous; the horse walks about 

 the stall, paws, lies down carefully, rolls, and tAes to balance himself 

 on Ivis hack. As a rule the bowels are constipated, but when this 

 disease is due to irritating foods or medicines purgation and flatu- 

 lency may be present. 



The small, hard pulse; high temperature; aged and anxious ap[)ear- 

 ance of the face; continuous pain, which is increased by pressure 

 upon the abdomen; position of the horse when down, and coklness 

 of the ears and legs, will enable anyone to diagnose a case of enteritis. 

 When mortification (death) of tlie bowels sets in, all pain ceases and 

 the animal will stand quietly, sometimes for several hours. Toward 

 the last he sighs, breathes hard, staggers and pitches about, and 

 dies in a state of delirium. 



It is a very serious disease and in the majority of cases proves 

 fatal. Death may take place in six hours, or not until after several 

 days. 



