RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH 559 



his head down, or almost between his knees, and may even be made to trot 

 in that pecuhar attitude. With the progress of the malady he becomes 

 paralyzed, is troubled to keep on his feet, staggers in his walk, and supports 

 himself against a tree or gate. Convulsions may cause his death. 



Treatment. — If detected early in its manifestation, the disease may be cut 

 short with a full dose of aperient medicine, which should be combined with 

 calomel — aloes and calomel, in the form of a ball — but if it has gone on for 

 some time and the S3nnptoms are severe, bleeding from the jugular vein 

 should be at once resorted to, the rectum unloaded with the hand, and a 

 clyster of soap and water thrown up. As soon as the aperient acts grass 

 staggers pass off. Change to another pastui'e, or hay in limited quantities, 

 may be advisable. 



RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH 



This accident is usually the result of previous engorgement and weakening 

 of the walls, when upon some extra exertion, the stomach being full, its 

 coats give way and more or less of the contents escape into the cavity of the 

 abdomen. It has been known to happen from casting horses when full of 

 grass, and from falls while hunting or in harness. It is also attributed to 

 the action of great numbers of bots and the lesions produced by habitual 

 wind-sucking. 



The Symptoms are similar to those of impaction of the stomach or acute 

 gastritis, and vomition is almost diagnostic, so seldom does it occur under 

 other conditions. The returned food comes through the nostrils (by way of 

 the posterior nares). There is every sign of collapse, as running down pulse, 

 cold extremities, haggard face, and panting breath, while partial sweats, 

 trembling, and reeling generally precede the fall of the animal in his death 

 struggles. 



No Treatment can be attempted, but if there is any doubt in the 

 mind of the owner, the remedies advised for gastritis and engorgement 

 should be prescribed. 



COLIC, GRIPES OR FRET 



Acute abdominal pain is generally known by the above terms. It may 

 be evanescent and of very little importance, or have its origin in serious 

 diseases of the abdominal viscera. It is frequently observed to be hereditary, 

 and the subjects of it are more liable to a recurrence than horses that have 

 never suffered. 



Causes. — Indigestion, excessive fatigue, watering on a full stomach, boiled 

 foods, constipation, impaction, and heredity. Diseases of the liver and other 

 organs taking part in digestion. Tumours, stones, and foreign bodies. 



The common forms of colic have two principal causes, namely, spasmodic 

 contraction of the muscular coat of a portion of the intestine or distension 

 by gases eliminated by retained and fermented food. The first is known as 

 spasmodic colic and the second as flatulent, but they may both be present 

 at the same time. 



