Calculi or Stones in the Intestines. 53 



They may contain a large quantity of lime, but 

 the food relatively contains a much larger pro- 

 portion. It is a substance largely in demand for 

 the wants of the system. 



If the animal is enfeebled by overtaxing work, 

 long fasts, and supplied with food of an inferior 

 quality, a condition known by the term bulimia, 

 is established. This is known by an irregular, 

 capricious, and morbid appetite, irregular bowels, 

 staring coat, leanness, inaptitude for work, and 

 a desire to lick the walls. Sometimes, however, 

 these symptoms are either not well marked, or 

 escape observation. 



Under such circumstances the animal swallows 

 sticks, stones, and rubbish of all kinds, to appease 

 the ravenous desire within. Food, under these 

 conditions, is not properly digested, the secretions 

 are vitiated, or altogether deficient, and act im- 

 perfectly. Farther derangement occurs, in which 

 the liver particularly suffers, and affairs now 

 assume an aggravated character. 



During these conditions assimilation and ab- 

 sorption is not carried on perfectly, and the 

 mineral matters of food and water are deposited 

 in the solid form, and aggregate around any 

 rough surface or object which may be present. 



As the mass increases in size corresponding 

 derangement is continued, and thus secures 

 material for its development, or the formation of 

 others as many as fifty having been found in 

 one animal. 



