390 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



very unfavourable symptom. There is usually a tucked-up 

 appearance of the abdomen, the animal paws and rolls, 

 turns his head to his side, the pulse becomes quicker and 

 fuller, and, unless relieved, death soon occurs. Impaction 

 of the stomach usually gives rise to well-marked symptoms 

 of nervous derangement, producing delirium, and some- 

 times coma, and paralysis. Over-ripe grasses and buck- 

 wheat are the descriptions of food most likely to cause 

 these symptoms. Decomposing and frozen roots also have 

 a similar effect. The animal is dull, drowsy, and has no 

 appetite. 



Treatment — A powerful diffusible stimulant should be 

 given first, and followed by a full dose of cathartic medicine, 

 in combination with nux vomica, the latter being especially 

 beneficial in cases where symptoms of nervous depression are 

 manifested. Carminatives may be freely used. If griping 

 pains are present, clysters should be freely given. A decoc- 

 tion made by boiling tobacco 51. in aquse O.iv., and added 

 to sufficient water for an enema, is of great service. Any 

 good stimulant may be used, as ammonia, ether, etc. ; but a 

 good alcoholic stimulant is the best of all stimulants. Soap 

 should not be used too freely in the clysters, as it has a ten- 

 dency to cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the 

 bowels. 



CHRONIC INDIGESTION. 



Chronic indigestion may be produced in various ways, as 

 by feeding an animal for a long time on large quantities 

 of oats, etc., the stomach being overtaxed and finally failing. 

 Chronic indigestion is also occasionally associated with 

 functional derangement of the liver. 



Symptoms. — There is apparently nothing the matter with 

 the animal, in many cases, except that he appears very dull 

 and languid, sweats easily, and the coat has a dry and dusty 



