DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 57 



Abnormal growths, such as tumors or fibrous tissue, producing 

 contraction or stricture may be causes of obstruction. The colic 

 caused by these conditions is chronic. The attacks occur at gradually 

 shortening intervals and become progressively more severe. Relief is 

 afforded by the use of purgatives that render the feces soft and thin 

 and thus enable them to pass the obstruction. But in time the con- 

 tracted place is likeh' to close so far that passage is impossible and the 

 horse will die. 



(3) Flatulent colic (ty:.ipakitic colic, wind colic, or bloat). ^ 

 Among the most frequent causes of this form of colic are to be men- 

 tioned sudden changes of food, too long fasting, food then given vv'hile 

 the animal is exhausted, new ha}^ or grain, large quantities of green 

 food, food that has lain in the manger for some time and become sour, 

 indigestible food, irregular teeth, crib-biting, and, in fact, an^-thing 

 that produces indigestion may produce flatulent colic. 



The sym2)toms of wind colic are not so suddenly developed nor so 

 severe as those of cramp colic. At first the horse is noticed to be dull, 

 paws slightl}^, and may or may not lie down. The pains from the 

 start are continuous. The belly enlarges, and by striking it in front 

 of the haunches a drum-like sound results. If not soon relieved the 

 above symptoms are aggravated, and in addition there are noticed 

 difiicult breathing, bloodshot eyes, and red mucous membranes, loud 

 tumultuous heart beat, profuse perspiration, trembling of front legs, 

 sighing respiration, staggering from side to side, and, finally, plung- 

 ing- forward dead. The diagnostic symptom of flatulent colic is the 

 distention of the bowels with gas, detected by the bloated appearance 

 and resonance on percussion. 



The treatment for wind colic diflers very materially from that of 

 cramp colic. Absorbents are of some service, and charcoal may be 

 given in any quantitj'. Relaxants and antispasmodics are also bene- 

 ficial in this form of colic. Chloral hydrate not only possesses these 

 qualities, but it also is an antiferment and a pain reliever. It is then 

 particularly well adapted to the treatment of wind colic, and should 

 be given in the same-sized doses and in the manner directed for spas- 

 modic colic. Diluted alcohol or whisk}^ may be given, or aromatic 

 spirits of ammonia in 1-ounce doses at short intervals. 



A physic should alwa^'S be given in flatulent colic as early as possi- 

 ble, the best being Barbados aloes in the dose already mentioned. 

 Injections, per rectum, of turpentine 1 to 2 ounces, linseed oil 8 ounces, 

 may be given frequently to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the bow- 

 els and favor the escape of wind. Blankets wrung out of hot water do 

 much to afi^ord relief; they should be renewed eveiy five or ten min- 

 utes and covered with a dry woolen blanket. This form of coiic is 

 much more fatal than cramp colic, and requires prompf^nd persistent 

 treatment. It is entirely unsafe to predict the result, some apparently 



