258 RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 



in many instances the disease known as stomach staggers, 

 which has been already mentioned. There are rarely any 

 symptoms of acute pain ; the pulse remaining in nearly its 

 natural condition ; respiration is but slightly disturbed ; there 

 is great heaviness of the head ; the horse stands with the 

 fore feet well under him, and appears to be weak in the knees ; 

 the membranes of the mouth and eyes present a yellow or 

 orange appearance, indicating the liver as involved in the 

 disease ; the urine is highly colored ; and in some cases there 

 is paralysis of the eye, and often of the extremities. 



The treatment required is much the same as in stomach 

 staggers ; in fact, this disease is the origin of the last named. 

 Attention should be directed in the first place to opening the 

 bowels, which requires a strong cathartic, made in the follow- 

 ing manner : of Barbadoes aloes one ounce ; of pulverized 

 gentian root two drachms ; pulverized ginger one drachm ; 

 mix with molasses. Give no /ood for at least forty-eight 

 hours; a little water may be occasionally given. In twelve 

 hours after the ball, give one scruple of calomel on the 

 tongue, which may be repeated at intervals of twelve hours for 

 two or three days. 



BUPTURE OF THE STOMACH, 

 Rupture of the stomach or diaphragm is cfiu^od by the 

 stomach and bowels being distended with food far beyond 

 their natural capacity, or by an accumulation of gas in the 

 stomach, as in flatulent colic. The diaphragm, or midriflP, is 

 often ruptured in cases of flatulence, as is the case also with 

 the intestines. As nothing in the way of treatment can be 

 offered in these cases, all speculation upon them is superfluous. 



