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causes as, for instance, rupture of ihe large intestine, it cannot be considered 

 a distinguishing symptom. Vomition is, however, more complete in rupture- 

 of the stomach, and in dilatation of the opening of the gullet into it, than ii> 

 rupture of the intestine. Rupture may be brought about by gradual 

 distension of the walls of the stomach, and without much pain, until the 

 contents escape into the body-cavity. Sometimes, however, rupture occurs^ 

 suddenly, owing to the violent struggles of the animal in its paroxysms of 

 pain, during the course of disease of the stomach or gut. The animal 

 becomes uneasy, with countenance dejected, and he looks anxiously round 

 at his flanks. There is great weakness and rapid prostration of strength. 

 The pulse is feeble and fluttering, the respirations are short and quick, and 

 there are frequent attempts at vomiting. In some cases the animal remains 

 quiet for a time after the rupture, while in other instances the pain is 

 intense, and the animal becomes delirious. In some cases of rupture, 

 collapse and death follow in a few hours; while in others, where the rent is 

 not so extensive, life may be prolonged for a couple of days or more. 

 Treatment is of no avail, and if the veterinarian decides the case to be one 

 of rupture, he deems it best to have the animal put out of his agony. 



Our readers will perceive that cases of chronic indigestion, the treatment 

 of which we described above, may, if neglected, lead eventually to rupture 

 of the coats of the stomach. We may conclude our observations on the 

 diseases of the stomach by remarking that in the horse a staring coat, 

 sluggishness at work, emaciation, with a tucked-up appearance of the belly, 

 are among the most apparent signs of dyspepsia. The presence of 

 undigested food in the faeces, and especially of un-crushed oats, and the 

 occasional appearance of griping pains, all indicate that the digestive organs- 

 are at fault (Gamgee). 



COLIC. 



Pain in the abdomen may arise from derangem.ent of the functions of the 

 intestinal tract, or it may be due to actual organic changes of varying extent 

 and nature. To the former disorder the term " true colic" is applied, while,, 

 when depending on organic disease, this condition is sometimes spoken of as 

 " false colic." " True colic " is of two varieties, which may be associated 

 together. The one termed " spasmodic colic," is due to spasmodic 

 contraction of the muscular wall of the gut ; the other, termed "flatulent- 

 colic," is owing to extensive gaseous accumulation in the intestine. It is- 

 said that the spasmodic form may terminate in intestinal inflammation. 

 Colic is generally due to dietetic errors, such as overfeeding, irregularities in 

 the diet, such as food of inferior quality or unsuitable kind, taking a large 

 amount of food after a long fast, or it may arise from prolonged or severe 

 exertion. These causes, are all potent agencies in the production of 

 spasmodic intestinal contraction, as well as of flatulent distension, which 

 may either be associated with the spasmodic variety or occur independently. 



