148 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



quence of the intestine having slipped into place, either from 

 handling the bowels, or from the relaxation that takes place at 

 death. A circumscribed, strangulated, and discolored spot may 

 perhaps be found, and in the absence of any constriction of the 

 intestinal canal at this spot, we may suspect that intus-susception 

 has existed. 



Intus-susception may arise from various causes ; the chief of 

 which is a deranged state of the digestive organs. It is well 

 known that the difficulty often follows both flatulent and spas- 

 modic colic, and these maladies are the sequel of the former. It 

 is also well known that in colic a large amount of carbonic acid 

 and other gases are generated within the intestinal canal, by which 

 their volume is inordinately increased, and their position so 

 changed that we need not be surprised to find them at times 

 twisted into all manner of shapes. In cases of intus-susception, 

 we have met with strictures in various parts of the small intes- 

 tines ; these contractions or constrictions of the canal may possi- 

 bly be the cause of intus-susception — if so, then our treatment 

 should be nauseating and relaxing. In the human subject, intus- 

 susception is generally relieved by vomiting — inverted peristaltic 

 action ; but as that is rather an uncommon occurrence in the 

 horse, we must not expect relief in this way. 



The symptoms of volvulus do not differ materially from those 

 attending colic, with this exception, that the animal is more tran- 

 quil when lying down, and does not paw with his fore feet when 

 up, as he invariably does when suffering from colic. The pain 

 also seems more persistent, as evinced by the distressing look and 

 uneasiness of the head. The disease is apt to terminate in rup- 

 ture of the intestine, diaphragm, or stomach — for which there is 

 no remedy. 



Treatment. — Administer the following drench : — 



Tincture of ginger, 2 ounces, 



Oil of peppermint, 20 drops, 



Chloric ether, 2 drachms, 



Thin gruel, £ pint. 



Rub the belly, and give clysters of salt and water. 



We prefer to give the above medicine prior to the administra- 

 tion of nauseants, especially in the early stage of an attack, (when 

 the symptoms are. more of a colicky nature,) because we have 



