308 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES. 



The disease rages most in low wet situations, upon the borders of rivers 

 and in valleys. In cases of relapse, it is the fifteenth or twentieth day, 

 or later, before convalescence commences ; and sometimes so much 

 debility is left that the horse when down cannot rise without help. And 

 as sequelce, on some occasions, we have swellings in different parts, or 

 swelled legs, or lameness (rheumatic ?), first in one limb, afterwards in 

 another. Time must cure all these anomalous affections : it is seldom 

 we can do much for them by medicine. 



Hygienal Treatment. — Under circumstances where there is reason to 

 apprehend an attack of gastro-intestinal inflammation, we may hope to 

 do much by way of prevention by attending to little affairs of manage- 

 ment — change of diet — the substitution of good straw for hay — the with- 

 drawal of corn altogether — sprinkling the provender with salt water — or 

 should the season and weather permit, turning the horses to grass ; not 

 however doing this, as too frequently is done, without some gradatory 

 preparation ; nor suffering them to remain out in cold nights. To such 

 as appear at all predisposed, it will be proper to give white water for 

 drink, and, in lieu of their oats, a mixture of bran and barley-meal soaked 

 in water slightly nitred or acidulated, and to administer occasional 

 clysters of warm water, without keeping them from work, though that 

 may be diminished. Good grooming is absolutely necessary ; and care 

 ought to be taken not to walk the horses into water on return from 

 work. Should the animal be young and vigorous, a small bloodletting 

 may prove advantageous, and especially in a case in which some other 

 disease already exists. 



Curative Treatment. — In determining the treatment of gastro-enteritis, 

 either on the eve of its attack or after it has commenced, regard must 

 be paid to the nature of the causes which have produced it or may be 

 continuing it, to the degree and extent of the inflammation constituting 

 it, to the number and intensity of the diseases with which it is compli- 

 cated. Among the therapeutic combatants for it, the most useful are 

 bloodlettings, diluents, emollients, mucilaginous applications, with a 

 proper regimen. The regimen must be severe, consisting of chilled water, 

 very slightly nitred, whitened with barley-water, and mixed with linseed 

 mucilage, providing the patient likes it ; and it may be sweetened with 

 honey or treacle. This is all the aliment to be allowed, unless indeed 

 the disease be but slight, in which case a little green-meat may be given, 

 or chopped roots, such as turnips, carrots, or beet roots ; but it is better 

 to abstain even from tliem. We must never forget that the digestive 

 organs are not in a condition to digest, however light the aliment. 

 Should the animal refuse the drink offered him in his pail, drenches of 

 linseed tea, a pint and a half each, may be given four or five times a day. 

 ^^ way of stimulating the skin, the horse ought to be well wisped, or 



