192 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



It is well known to physiologists, and I presume the reader 

 must have observed, that both men and animals inherit peculiar 

 idiosyncrasies. Each are predisposed, either through parental de- 

 fect, temperament, or conformation, to certain forms of disease. 

 This peculiarity, or predisposition, is said to lurk in breed, and 

 those conversant with the horse's structure and temperament can 

 readily determine whether he be predisposed to certain forms of 

 disease or not. For example, a horse predisposed to flatulent colic 

 is often observed to have a capacious belly, voracious appetite, and 

 does not properly masticate his food ; and he is not over-particular 

 as to the kind of diet, for we often find him devouring, with ap- 

 parent relish, the filthy straw that has served as bedding. Often 

 he proves to be a " crib-biter." (Cribbing is a defect, either in- 

 herited or acquired.) Ordinarily the salivial fluid is augmented, 

 yet it does not look healthy ; 't is more like soap-suds, and of a 

 dirty color. The tongue is also foul, and the breath somewhat 

 fetid. One or more of these peculiarities generally predominate 

 in colicky horses. I contend, therefore, that some horses are pre- 

 disposed to colic ; and this explains the reason why the ordinary 

 exciting causes, such as cold water, exposure, fatigue, irritating 

 food and medicine, are operative on the system of one horse and 

 inoperative on that of another. Colic is the heritage of some of 

 the best horses in the world. 



Now, should the question be asked, What are the causes of colic? 

 I answer, It is occasioned by predisposing, direct and indirect 

 causes, operating conjointly or not. In all cases of colic, the 

 function of the stomach is either disturbed or partly suspended. 



Treatment. — The principal objects in the cure of colic are, to 

 restore the tone of the stomach, by means of stimulants and tonics, 

 and to arrest fermentation and absorb the gases of the alimentary 

 canal. I shall not undertake to say that the remedies here alluded 

 to are the very best ; but, as I have met with remarkable success 

 in their use, I can safely recommend them. 1 have an impression 

 that when a horse is the subject of colic, he requires to be treated 

 just as any intelligent physician would treat one of us. There 

 is no necessity to convert his stomach into a " slop-shop." The 

 patient should be treated in a rational manner, by the same means 

 and with the same skill as if one of our race were concerned. 



I do not like to see an animal trotted up one street and down 

 another, followed by a biped, whip in hand, and a crowd of idlers 



