DISEASES AND ACCIDENTS 67 



Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 



Indigestion is common amongst horses, and can 

 usually be detected amongst over-fed animals by loss 

 of appetite, a disinclination to move^ and coldness 

 in the body and limbs. An ounce of aromatic 

 spirits of ammonia in a quart of ale will afford relief; 

 and afterwards a pint of castor oil, which has been 

 warmed, may be given with the best results. 



Stoppage of the bowels is soon detected, and pro- 

 vided that it is not caused by the presence of a stone, 

 or bone, or some abnormal growth^ can usually be 

 treated successfully by a dose of castor oil and aloes, 

 about one pint of the former and five drachms of 

 the latter. The horse should be kept warm, but he 

 should be compelled to move about slowly a few 

 times a day, and evidences of inflammation should 

 be looked for if his condition does not mend. 



Inflammation of the bowels^ enteritis, is not par- 

 ticularly easy to detect, as the horse does not usually 

 suffer very acute pain, though the latter is con- 

 tinuous and not spasmodic, the ears and legs being 

 very cold, and the droppings scanty. Hot fomenta- 

 tions to the stomach and mustard poultices should 

 be applied, and the invalid kept warm until pro- 

 fessional aid arrives, the necessity of the latter being 

 imperative. 



Colic or gripes may be produced by cold water 

 being imbibed or improper feeding, and is most 

 painful whilst the spasms last. Upon an emergency 

 hot beer or gruel, in which a little ground ginger 

 and some sort of spirits are mixed, will be very 

 likely to afford relief; but a surer remedy would be 

 a draught com.posed as follows : — 



Turpentine i| ounce. 



Aromatic spirits of ammonia ... ... f ounce. 



Laudanum \\ ounce. 



Linseed oil ... ... ... ... i| pint. 



