DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 35 



The disease may in some cases assume a chronic character, and in 

 addition to the foregoing symptoms slight bloating or tympanitis of the 

 left flank may be observed; the animal breathes with effort and each 

 respiration may be accompanied by a grunt, the ears and horns are 

 alternately hot and cold, rumination ceases, the usual rumbling sound 

 in the stomach is not audible, the passage of dung is almost entirely 

 suspended, and the animal passes only a little mucus occasionally. 

 The patient falls away in flesh and becomes weaker, as is shown by 

 one frequently finding it lying down. "When the animal falls into this 

 weak and exhausted condition the disease frequently terminates fatally. 



On examining animals which have died of this disease a dry and 



what hardened condition of the contents of the third stomach is 



found. In other cases the stomachs and their contents present a natural 



appearance, and we may remark in this connection that in the latter 



class of cases the causation of the disease has yet to be explained. 



In some cases the brain becomes disordered, no doubt from the de- 

 ranged condition of the stomach reaching the brain through what is 

 termed reflex action. There is weakness and an unsteady gait, the 

 animal does not appear to take notice of and will consequently run 

 against obstacles; after a time it falls down and gives up to violent 

 and disordered movements. This delirious condition is succeeded by 

 coma or stupor, and death ensues. 



Treatment. Aromatic and demulcent draughts should be given to 

 produce a soothing effect on the mucous lining of the stomachs and to 

 promote digestion. Two ounces of charnomile flowers should be boiled 

 for twenty minutes in a quart of water and the infusion on cooling 

 shotild be given to the affected animal. This should be repeated about 

 three times a day. When constipation i s present the following purga- 

 tive may be administered: Sulphate of magnesia, 1 pound; Barbadoes 

 aloes, half an ounce; powdered ginger, 1 ounce; powdered -nux vomica, 

 1 dram; fluid extract of belladonna, half an ounce. The different pow- 

 ders contained in this prescription should bjp stirred up in 2 quarts of 

 lukewarm water, then the fluid extract of belladonna added and the 

 dose administered. After this purgative has acted, if there is a lack of 

 appetite and the animal does not ruminate regularly, the powder men- 

 tioned in remarks on the treatment of chronic tympanitis should be 

 given according to directions. The diet must be rather laxative and of 

 a digestible character after an attack of this form of indigestion. Food 

 should be given in moderate quantities, as any excess by overtasking 

 the digestive functions may bring on a relapse. 



INDIGESTION FROM DRINKING COLD WATER COLIC. 



This disorder is produced by drinking copiously of cold water, which 

 arrests digestion and produces cramp of the fourth stomach, probably 

 of the other stomachs, and also of the bowels. Cruzc! states th:it it is 

 frequently observed in working oxen during hot weather. 



