DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 43 



the floating particle to pass through is reached and the vessel 

 becomes j^higged. The loop of intestine supplied by it receives 

 no blood. A temporary paralysis of the loop occurs, which per- 

 sists imtil a second vessel is able to take over the function of the 

 one that is plugged. This form of colic is most common in old 

 horses (Fig. 16). 



Such complications of acute indigestion as twisting, infolding 

 and displacement of the intestine may occur. It is not uncom- 

 mon for a stallion to suffer from strangulated hernia, due to a 

 rather large internal inguinal ring and a loop of the intestine 

 passing through it and into the inguinal canal or scrotum. Such 

 displacements are usually accompanied by severe colicky pains. 



The symptoms vary in the different cases. In the mild form, 

 the colicky pains are not prominent, but in the acute form, the 

 animal is restless, getting up and do^\^l in the stall and rolling 

 over. These movements are especially marked when the abdom- 

 inal pain is severe. 



In the spasmodic form the attack comes on suddenly, the 

 colicky pains are severe, and the peristaltic movement of the intes- 

 tine is marked and accompanied by loud intestinal sounds. In 

 most cases of indigestion characterized by fermentation and col- 

 lections of gas in the intestine there is gastric tympany as well. 



Acute indigestion characterized by impaction of the large 

 intestine pursues a longer course than the forms just mentioned, 

 and the abdominal pain is not severe. 



Congestion and inflammation of the intestine may result 

 from the irritation produced by the feed. When this occurs, the 

 abdominal pain is less violent. The animal usually acts dull, 

 the walk is slow and unsteady, and the respirations and pulse 

 beats may be quickened. 



A large percentage of the cases of acute indigestion terminate 

 fatally. The course of the disease varies from a few hours to 

 several days. 



The treatment is both preventive and curative. The preven- 



