IGO DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



of some months, three or four horses died of a disease somewhat 

 similar to that described in the account from Swansea. 



There was great drowsiness and lethargy manifested, the horses 

 were weak and staggered in their walk, and the membrane of 

 the nostrils and eyelids was pale. 



The next case that occurred was sent to me, and it slowly 

 recovered after a fortnight's treatment, consisting chiefly of tonics 

 and stimulants in order to I'ouse the system into greater action. 



This horse had for some time past been feeding on spring 

 vetches, which contained an immense quantity of weeds, amongst 

 which that locally termed Morgan greatly abounded. 



Whether this was the cause, I cannot say ; but at any rate it 

 appeared highly probable that the disease was owing to some 

 poisonous substance calculated to depress the vital powers. 



AVith regard to the treatment of stomach staggers when pro- 

 ceeding from distension with food, in addition to that recom- 

 mended by Mr. White, it would be advisable to pour liquids into 

 the stomach by means of Read's patent syringe, so as to dilute 

 its contents, and if possible to evacuate a portion of it by these 

 means. Instead of aloes, it would be advisable to administer 

 croton oil in doses of from twenty to forty drops, not only be- 

 cause this medicine is so much smaller in bulk, but also because 

 its action is quicker and more immediate on the stomach and 

 small intestines. — Ed.] 



CHAP. XXXIII. 



DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 



Tiiflammation of the Boivels, Enteritis, Peritonitis, &fe. 



[There are three varieties of inflammation of the bowels : 

 enteritis, or inflammation of the muscular coat ; peritonitis, or 

 inflammation of the peritoneal coat ; and dysentery, or inflam- 

 mation of the mucous or Internal coat. 



The two first are generally connected together; at least, one 

 coat is rarely affected without in some measure involving the 

 other. 



Cases of Enteritis, however, are far more frequent than those 

 of Peritonitis. The instances in which the latter exists as a pri- 

 mary disease are cases following castration, when the inflam- 

 mation spreads along the course of the cord to the peritoneal 

 membrane in the abdomen. 



The symptoms of peritonitis are somewhat similar to, though 

 by no means so acute as in, enteritis, and the treatment should 

 be pretty much the same. 



