CHAP. n. ENTERITIS. f 571 



and from other disarrangements to which the intestines of the horse 

 are specially liable. 



Symptoms. The earliest signs of enteritis are those indicative of 

 abdominal pain, or belly-ache. The animal paws the ground, looks 

 anxiously round toward the flank, strikes the belly, and stamps with 

 the hind limbs. Now and again he lies down carefully, and resumes the 

 upright posture without going through that violent rolling and struggling 

 so characteristic of simple colic. For a time he obstinately stands 

 and then walks round the box. The pain in enteritis is constant, and 

 in this respect differs from colic, in which, as we have already noticed, 

 it comes on in violent paroxysms and then subsides, to return again 

 after a short interval. In the course of the attack cold sweats bedew 

 the body, the face is pinched and haggard, and all food is refused. 

 The pulse is quick and hard, the breathing hurried and sighing, and the 

 mouth hot and sour-smelling, while the bowels are constipated. 



Treatment. The treatment of enteritis requires the most careful 

 and well-directed efforts of the experienced veterinarian, and no time 

 should be lost in seeking his aid. Where this cannot be procured 

 immediately, the administration of a dose of opium will afford relief 

 from pain, and the soothing influence of hot flannels upon the belly 

 should not be overlooked. Enemas of warm water may be thrown into 

 the rectum, and the general comfort of the animal ministered to until 

 professional assistance is procured. All food should be withheld, and 

 a plentiful supply of linseed tea provided for the patient to drink 

 whenever he chooses. 



Horses having recovered from an attack of this affection require the 

 greatest care in feeding for some time after convalescence is established. 

 The food for a while should be cooked and given in small quantities, 

 and regularity of feeding often needs to be strictly observed. 



FEVER IN THK FEET OR LAMINITIS. The disease known as " fever 

 in the feet " is an inflamed state of the vascular tissues of the foot. 



Causes. Laminitis is mostly seen in fat heavy horses with flat weak 

 feet, or those having feet of a strong, upright, blocky character. 

 The disease frequently results from over-driving when the roads are 

 hard, or from long standing, as in protracted sea-voyages, or where in 

 certain forms of disease the patient is compelled to stand for long periods. 

 It is also induced by drinking cold water while the body is heated and 

 fatigued, by eating wheat, new barley, and an excess of beans. It not 

 unfrequently attacks mares after foaling, and heavy fat stallions when 

 on the road. Now and again it follows the administration of a dose of 

 physic, but the reason has not been satisfactorily made out. Horses 

 affected with pleurisy and inflammation of the lungs sometimes 

 contract the disorder at a period when they are fast approaching con- 

 valescence. 



Symptoms. The disease is mostly confined to the two fore limbs, 

 but it may involve all. The posture and gait are the chief indications 

 of inflammation of the feet. When standing, the fore limbs are thrown 

 forward and the hind ones are advanced beneath the belly. In pro- 



