244 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



out the light. Sometimes the opacity will, to a certain extent, 

 disappear ; but at one point it obstinately remains, and looks 

 as if it would never be removed. Nor will it unless treatment 

 be resorted to, in the form of applying something very stimu- 

 lating to the part, in the shape of nitrate of silver or other 

 strong remedy. Of course, this should only be done after all 

 inflammation has quite disappeared, and when all progress has 

 ceased. 



An amateur, however, cannot be recommended to employ 

 such remedies on his own account ; they should only be used 

 by an experienced veterinary surgeon, and the effects require 

 careful watching. Suffice it here to say that, even in long- 

 standing cases of partial opacity of the cornea, the treatment 

 above described is often attended by marked success. 



DISEASES. 



Colic. 



This is a very common disease of the digestive organs, and 

 is due to improper food, very cold water, sudden change of 

 diet, exhaustion from over-work and fasting, and then reple- 

 tion, and many other causes. The pain is usually sudden ; the- 

 horse paws, kicks at his belly, looks round with a longing, 

 uneasy expression at his flanks, lies down, and rolls on his. 

 back, or lies outstretched ; then, suddenly rising, he shakes- 

 himself, and is free from pain for a short time until another 

 spasm comes on. 



If due to indigestion, colic is best treated with purgative- 

 medicines and enemas. In slight attacks, a draught composedi 

 of a stimulant combined with an opiate (nitric ether and tinc- 

 ture of opium) generally effect a cure. Sometimes three or 

 four ounces of alcohol given in a quart of tepid water, wilL 

 answer equally well. 



