104 COLICS AND THEIR TREATMENT 



from normal frequency and strength to weak, often im- 

 perceptible, going as high as 80 to 100 per minute. The 

 temperature varies between 100° to 102° F., although 

 xvhere the condition is protracted it may reach 105° F. 



The symptoms of pain are usually marked in the be- 

 ginning of the attack. The peristalsis in nearly every 

 case is partially or entirely suppressed, due to the asso- 

 ciated involvement of the bowel. In mild attacks there 

 is usually little or no sweating, but in severe cases pro- 

 nounced general hyperidrosis is observed. A symptom 

 of great diagnostic value, but unfortunately not always 

 present, is esophageal eructation. Behrens in his study 

 of 142 cases of gastric dilatation noted belching in only 

 48. Vomiting is an occasional symptom which by no 

 means speaks for rupture of the stomach. In not over 

 twenty per cent of the cases of vomiting does rupture 

 attend the act. The most valuable aid to diagnosis is the 

 stomach tube. Unless the gastric dilatation is compli- 

 cated with intestinal disorder, a rapid disappearance of 

 the colic follows the use of the stomach tube. 



According to some authorities, displacement of the 

 jpleen is a tangible symptom of gastric dilatation. This 

 organ may be felt through the rectum where it has be- 

 come displaced posteriorly lying in the region of the left 

 flank. Inasmuch, however, as similar displacements of 

 the spleen have been noted in perfectly healthy and even 

 fasting horses, this symptom is at least not pathognomo- 

 nic. 



Treatment. — The treatment of acute gastric dilata- 

 tion is mechanical. The stomach tube should be prompt- 

 ly passed to permit the imprisoned gas to escape, usually 



