254 The Hoksk rxnusniY i.\ New York State 



Si/iii]>loiiis. 'Dip ])aiii is coiitimions, thouuli more at one time 

 than at another. IJloatinii- is the characteristic symptom. If the 

 intestines are the principal part infected (tlatukMit colic), the 

 hloatini*' is verv prononnced, especially on the rii>'ht side. AVhen 

 the stomach (acnte indig'estion) is the essential seat of the tronhle, 

 it is greatly over-distended with gas and the fermenting mass of 

 food. Yet on acconnt of its distance from the ahdominal wall, 

 and being incased on each side of the ribs, it hardly ever shows 

 from the ontside. 



Unless a person is somewhat familiar with acnte indigestion it 

 is sometimes rather hard to diagnose. Usnally acnte indigestion 

 occurs soon after partaking of a fnll meal. It is sndden in its 

 onset and gradually grows worse. As the over-distended stomach 

 is in close contact M'ith the Inngs, breathing is greatly inter- 

 fered with, so the horse often sits on its hannches lihe a dog. The 

 nostrils are greatly dilated to facilitate breathing. Occasionally 

 he will make desperate efforts to vomit. Since the stomach of 

 the horse mnst be stretched to a dangerons condition before he 

 can vomit, we always regard vomiting in a horse as a sign of 

 rnptnred stomach. If vomiting of the stomach occurs without 

 rnptnre it affords great relief. As the disease progresses the 

 abdomen enlarges, due to the stomach forcing the other organs 

 backward and also dne to the disturbance in the intestines. 



Treatment. Acute indi2;estion and flatulent colic, if not too 

 severe, and taken in time, will often respond to some of our 

 simple home remedies. Turpentine, three to six tablespoonfuls, 

 according to size of the horse and severity of the case, given in a 

 pint of raw linseed oil is a good home remedy. One-half to a 

 teacupful of baking soda, given alone, or, better still, combined 

 with one or two tal)lespoonfuls of ginger, is often very effective. 

 Two or three tablespoonfuls of creolin in a quart of water is very 

 good. Salicylic acid in one-half ounce doses is considered a specific 

 for acute indigestion. If a horse is badly bloated never let him 

 throw himself violently on the ground, as he is apt to rupture the 

 stomach or intestine. If he will lie down and remain so, that is 

 ideal, but do not let him be continually lying down and getting 

 up. If necessary take a whip to keep him on his feet, and make 

 him walk around. Very often medicines are of little or no use 

 and the only thing that will save the horse is the prompt use of 



