69 



Wind-SLickeis and crib-biters should have a supply of water by them, as 

 well as a good lump of rock salt in the manger. Half an ounce of 

 bicarbonate of potassium given-in the water once daily, will sometimes prove 

 very beneficial. 



Inflammation of the gullet is generally the result of direct injury. It 

 may be induced by the passage of very large portions of food, or by the 

 administration of irritant liquids. The symptoms are difficulty of 

 swallowing, tenderness on manipulation, and sometimes spasm of the gullet. 

 Many cases do not require treatment beyond the use of liquid food for a day 

 or two. In severe cases, linseed gruel, to which an ounce of tincture of 

 opium has been added, is of benefit where there is much pain. Hot water 

 fomentations are useful. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 



We now turn to the consideration of inflammation of the bowels, but may 

 first say a few words about inflammation generally. What is inflammation.'* 

 Inflammation comprises three kinds of changes. Firstly, there is a change 

 in the blood vessels, and in the circulaLion through them ; secondly, there is 

 an exudation of fluid, and often little blood cells escape through the walls of 

 the vessels ; and lastly, there is change in the tissues themselves. The 

 arteries first enlarge in inflammation, and the blood flow is accelerated. 

 Afterwards, the blood flow is much retarded, and little cells of the blood 

 accumulate in the small veins, and stick fast in those little communicating 

 tubes between the veins and arteries, which are called capillaries. The 

 blood flow through these channels at last stops, and then some of the little 

 blood cells pass out of the containing vessels into the parts around. 

 Inflammation leads to depression of vitality, and death of the tissues 

 involved. There is no increase of vitality, and no muliiplication of the 

 elements of tissue. 



Inflammation of the bowels or enteritis in horses is a disease of very 

 great importance, being both very fatal and very common. It is more 

 commonly met with in adults, and in those animals which are in 

 confinement, than in the young and those out at grass. It is also of more 

 frequent occurrence among the heavy draught horses, than among the more 

 highly-bred animals. This fatal malady has two distinct forms, which, 

 although presenting many symptoms in common, are in reality of a different 

 nature. 



The first variety we may term apoplectic, from the rapidity with which 

 the animal is struck down. The horse may even die in a few hours. Of 

 this variety the causes are not always apparent. Over-exertion, prolonged 

 exposure to cold, drinking cold water when heated, and, finally, washing the 

 animal in cold water, while still in a heated and perspiring condition, are 

 however the most important. This variety is generally fatal. The other 

 variety, which may be termed secondary inflammation of the bowels, is 



