218 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



causes also. Eetention of feces, if not relieved, may lead 

 to congestion or inflammation of the intestine. 



Generally the abdomen is full and distended, but this is 

 by no means a constant symptom. The motions are at- 

 tended with difficulty, and straining or tenesmus is not 

 unfrequent. 



If the constipation continue unrelieved, the appetite 

 becomes impaired, weakness follows, and the pulse becomes 

 feeble and accelerated. In some instances a yellow gelatinous 

 mucous secretion is discharged in cases of constipation 

 depending upon retention and impaction of the faeces. 

 This discharge is frequently mistaken for diarrhoea by the 

 uninitiated, when in reality it is indicative of a costive con- 

 dition of the bowels. 



Treatment. — As long as the animal remains in good health, 

 all that is necessary in constipation is a change of the diet 

 for one of a more laxative nature. If the constipation is 

 habitual, a moderate dose of aloes, followed by the adminis- 

 tration of vegetable tonics, such as nux vomica, gentian, 

 and several others, is efficacious in most instances. 



When the irregularity of the bowels is dependent upon 

 paralysis of part of the intestine, purgatives should not be 

 given. In these cases, stimulants, with liquor strychnse, 

 will be found very beneficial. If the paralysis involve 

 the large gut, the rectum is frequently found to be in a 

 dry, dilated condition, and gives the impression, when the 

 hand is introduced, of a large cavity with passive walls 

 (Williams). 



For the prevention of the recurrence of constipation, 

 bran mashes and other laxative diet may be substituted 

 occasionally for the more solid food, and nux vomica, gentian, 

 and ginger may be given in the form of a ball three or four 

 times weekly. If necessary, an occasional dose of aloes may 

 be administered. 



