230 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



least capable of resisting the effects of these disorders, and 

 are thus especially prone to rupture. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of rupture are very variable, 

 and not diagnostic. In most instances rapid exhaustion 

 follows the intestinal lesion^ wherever it may be situated. 



In some cases collapse and death soon follow the occur- 

 rence, while in others life is not extinguished for several 

 days. In many cases rupture is very difficult to diagnose 

 from other severe affections of the bowels. When following 

 impaction of fseces in the colon, or considerable dilatation 

 of the walls of the gut, rupture is notunfrequently succeeded 

 by relief. The restlessness and straining subside, and a 

 period of calm follows until death. The countenance, how- 

 ever, is anxious, the pulse small, thready, and gradually 

 becomes more and more imperceptible, the respiration is short 

 and thoracic, and there is great disinclination to stir. In 

 rupture of the colon the horse frequently sits on his haunches, 

 and may attempt to vomit ; but these symptoms cannot be 

 regarded as diagnostic of rupture. Sitting on the haunches, 

 indeed, is a very frequent symptom in twists and other forms 

 of strangulation. 



ENTERITIS — INFLAMMATION OF THE 

 BOWELS. 



Etiology and Varieties. — Inflammation of the bowels is in 

 most cases limited to sections of the intestinal canal, though 

 it may affect the tube throughout. It is more commonly 

 met with in adults and in those in confinement than in the 

 young and those running out at grass. 



The late Mr. D. Gresswell used to recognise two distinct 

 forms of enteritis in the horse, which, although presenting 

 many symptoms in common, are in reality of a different 

 nature. 



