CONSTIPATION. 905 



drachm of powdered opium in the food once a day for three or 

 four days. Or give the following astringent drench : 



1 drachm powdered opium, 



4 oz. prepared chalk, 



1 oz. gum acacia. 



Dissolve in warm water, and give in well-boiled flour or starch gruel. It 

 may be given two or three times a day, the gruel being given frequently. 

 If very severe, injections of solution of catechu and starch, with a little 

 tincture of opium, should be given. 



The belly may be stimulated with liquid blister. He must be 

 kept perfectly warm, and the legs bandaged. Care must be taken 

 not to induce an opposite state of the bowels by the inj udicious 

 use of astringents. An ounce each of carbonate of soda and gin- 

 ger should be given daily for some time after recovery. Rest and 

 good dry food are necessary for some time. 



CONSTIPATION. 



Constipation is a condition the very opposite of the above, in 

 which we have a diminished action of the bowels, the dung being 

 dry and voided with difficulty, leading to dangerous " stoppage of 

 the bowels." It arises from various causes, especially from being 

 fed on dry, fibrous food. If in pasture in the fall, when the grass 

 is tough and fibrous, with perhaps a scarce supply of water, the 

 fibrous ingesta are liable to become felted together, and impacted 

 in the bowels. Want of exercise, and feeding too much grain, 

 are also prominent causes. 



It is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the bowels. 

 Horses that are kept up, or not worked regularly, and especially 

 if fed on dry food, should have an occasional bran mash with 

 plenty of water to drink ; or small doses of laxatives, aloes is the 

 simplest and best, from two to four drachm doses, with green food. 

 If accompanied by colic, or inflammation of the bowels, back-rak- 

 ing, etc., must be resorted to until relieved. Green grass is about 

 the best laxative. 



All horses, especially those advanced in years, should be 

 watched carefully, and when there is any tendency to constipa- 

 tion, it should be prevented, as before stated, by giving bran 

 mashes, carrots, and raw potatoes ; or, if thought advisable, a lit- 

 tle oil or physic, with regular exercise and sufficient water, and 



