DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



By Cii. B. MicnENEij, V. S. 

 [Revised in 1903 by Leonard Pearson, B. S., V. M. D.] 



It will uot prove an easy task to write "a plain account of the com- 

 mon diseases, with directions for preventive measures, hygienic care, 

 and the simpler forms of medical treatment," of the digestive organs 

 of the horse. This study includes a careful consideration of the food 

 and drink of our animals, their quality, c[uantit3', analyses, etc. This, 

 of itself, is material for a book. Being limited as to space, the 

 endeavor must be made to give simpl}^ an outline — to state the most 

 important facts— leaving man}' gaps, and continually checking the dis- 

 position to write anything like a full description as to cause, preven- 

 tion, and modes of treatment of disease. 



These articles are addressed entirely to farmers and stock owners, 

 and I must ask nw professional brethren to bear this in mind when 

 they are disposed to complain of a want of scientific treatment of the 

 subjects. 



WATER. 



It is generally held, at least in practice, that any water that stock 

 can be induced to drink is sufficiently pure for their use. This prac- 

 tice occasions losses that would startle us if statistics were at hand, 

 "SVater that is impure from the presence of decomposing organic mat- 

 ter, such as is found in wells and ponds in close proximit}' to manure 

 heaps and cesspools, is frequently the cause of diarrhea, dysentery, 

 and man}' other diseases of stock, while water that is impregnated 

 with dili'erent poisons and contaminated with specific media of conta- 

 gion produces death in very many instances. 



Considering first the quantity of water required by the horse, it may 

 be stated that when our animals have access to water continually thej 

 never drink to excess. AVere the horse subjected to ship voyages or 

 any other circumstances where he must depend upon his attendant for 

 the supply of water, it may be roughly stated that each horse requires 

 a daily average of about 8 gallons of water. This will vary some- 

 what upon the character of his food; if upon green food, less water 

 will be needed than when fed upon dr}'- hay and grain. 



The time of giving water should be carefully studied. At rest, the 

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