136 Diseases of the Horse, 



CONSTIPATION— COSTITENESS. 



Definition. — Absence or diminution of tlie natural dis- 

 charge from the bowels, usually accompanied with dry and 

 hard feces, straining and difficulty in their expulsion. 



Causes. — 111 feeding, debility of the bowels, want of ex- 

 ercise, indigestion, and various other diseases, especially in- 

 flammation of the bowels. Paralysis of [the bowels is an 

 occasional cause, and one very dangerous to life. Its pres- 

 ence may be recognized by the absence of the intestinal 

 murmurs always to be heard in health by listening to the 

 abdomen. 



S3rmptoms. — The hard, dry and scanty character of the 

 evacuations is the principal sign. Colicky pains, hide bound, 

 passage of wind and other symptoms of indigestion are often 

 present. The animal does not thrive, and is lacking in 

 spirit. 



Treatment. — This is not always to be by strong purges. 

 These often make the matter worse. The diet should be 

 rendered more laxative, as mashes of bran and linseed meal, 

 oat meal, etc., a change of water given, and mild aperient 

 medicines with special stimulants to the bowels. 



An excellent laxative mixture for horses and cattle, is: — 



No. 108. Flour of sulphur, 



Cream of tartar, of each 2 or 3 oz. 



Molasses, 2^ pint. 



Mix this in the drinking water, or if distasteful, with water as a 

 drench. It should be repeated every other day. 



Strychnia and nux vomica have a special power of action 



on the bowels when partly paralyzed or excessively torpid. 



It is well to combine the nux with an aromatic and a laxa- 



ative, as: — 



No. 109. Powdered nux vomica, 1 drachm. 



Powdered aloes, 2 to 3 drachma. 



Ginger, 2 drachms. 



Mix for a ball and give one every other day. 



