DYSENTERY. 415 



to foals. Tlie mother should be given a diuretic, and if 

 her milk is too rich, she should be reduced in condition ; 

 in case the milk is not rich enough, she should be fed 

 well both as regards quantity and quality of food — the 

 general health of the mother being the most important 

 point to attend to — and she should be kept in a state of 

 health as nearly perfect as possible. Mild counter-irritation 

 to the belly of the foal is often of benefit. 



DYSENTERY. 



This disease, which is also known by the terms bloody 

 flux, inflammatory diarrhoea, etc., consists of an afl'ection of 

 the mucous membrane of the intestines. No part of the 

 intestinal track is exempt from an attack, although the large 

 intestines are more commonly aff'ected than the small in- 

 testines. The disease is more commonly met with among 

 cattle than horses, and oftenest seen in well-bred cattle ; in 

 such cases it is often found in connection with, or dependin^^ 

 upon, a tuberculous diathesis. However, it may also occur 

 as an independent afl'ection, or as a result of some other 

 disease, such as simple diarrhcea. The presence of irritants 

 in the intestinal canal, as sand, poisonous substances, etc., will 

 also cause it. It sometimes arises from grazing on marshy 

 or wet lands, drinking impure or stagnant water, etc. 



Symptoms. — As in the simple form of diarrhcea, the 

 evacuation of faeces is of a liquid character, but tinged with 

 blood ; and on examination may be seen to contain shreds 

 of mucous membrane. Griping pains are experienced by 

 the patient, and partial or complete anorexia is an early 

 symptom. Pyrexia becomes well marked, the pulse quick- 

 ened, and the patient is possessed of an inordinate desire 

 for water, more or less extensive ulceration of the bowels 

 may take place and cause haemorrhage, which in some cases 



