DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTExM 47 



very carefully, as the diirestive tract is not in condition to digest 

 heavy rations or feeds that ferment readily. 



Diarrhoea. — Diarrhcca occnrs as a symptom of irritation and 

 inflammation of the intestinal mucous membrane. Sudden 

 changes in the feed, the feeding of a succulent green ration, 

 severe exercise when the animal is not in condition for it, and 

 chronic indigestion may cause diarrhcra in the absence of an 

 intestinal inflammation. 



The following symptoms may be noted : Animals aliected by a 

 diarrhoea act dull and weak ; thirst is increased and the animal 

 may show evidence of fever ; the intestinal evacuations are soft, 

 thin, and sometimes have an offensive odor. If the diarrha?a con- 

 tinues for several days, the animal loses flesh rapidly and the 

 appetite is irregular. In such cases Aveakness is a prominent 

 symptom. 



Recovery usually occurs when the animal is dieted and rested. 



The treatment consists in giving a physic of linseed or castor 

 oil. Horses and cattle may be given from one-half to one (juart 

 of linseed oil ; sheep and hogs from one to four ounces of 

 castor oil. Feed should be withheld. Morphine may be given 

 hypodermically to the large animals after a period of six to eight 

 hours following the administration of the physic. 



The following formula is quite useful in checking diarrhcea: 

 salol one-half ounce, bismuth subnitrate one ounce, and bicar- 

 bonate of soda two ounces. The dose of this mixture is from one 

 to four drachms, depending on the size of the animal, three or 

 four times a day. 



White Scours or Diarrhoea in Young Animals. — Young 

 animals, when nursing the mother or fed by liand, frequently 

 develop congestion and inflammation of the stomach and intes- 

 tines. This disorder is characterized by a diarrhoea. 



The causes may be grouped under two heads : wrong methods 

 of feeding and care, and specific infection. 



The first milk of the mother is a natural laxative and aids 



