INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS, ENTERITIS. 



Cause. — Protracted cases of colic or stomach staggers 

 sometimes end in inflammation of these delicate organs ; 

 overloading the stomach Avith old indigestible food fre- 

 quently acts as an exciting cause of enteritis. In other in- 

 stances it is brought on by sudden chills after exhausting work, 

 when an animal is perspiring very freely. External violence, 

 such as kicks and blows, has given rise to inflammation of 

 the large or small intestines. Besides these, there are other 

 predisposing causes which are very obscure in their origin. 

 Occasionally it occurs as a sequel to epizootic diseases, such 

 as influenza, &c. 



Symptoms. — The first symptoms very much resemble 

 colic, only of a much milder type. The horse has oc- 

 casional shivering fits, the nostrils are dilated, and the 

 breathing increased ; the animal walks round his stall and 

 pretends to lie down, but he seems very cautious and par- 

 ticular what spot he chooses to rest on. At times he will 

 roll over and try to ease himself by rolling, kicking or 

 plunging in a very methodical fashion ; the pulse from 

 being firm becomes quicker and smaller, or wiry, as it is 

 called. Pressure on the abdomen gives great pain, while in 

 colic it relieves ; the animal turns his head to his flanks 

 continually. Should the case yield to treatment the bowels 

 begin to act, and there is copious urination. 



Treatment. — AVhen the case is seen in time, and es- 

 pecially if the animal is young and in good condition, and 

 the pulse firm and distinct, do not hesitate to bleed to the 

 extent of four or five quarts, by so doing we lessen the 

 chances of exudation, and balance the arterial system. If 

 the bowels are confined don't give aloes. Take of linseed 

 oil eight ounces, tincture of opium two ounces, sulphuric 

 ether two ounces, and gently horn it down the animal's 

 throat. Much good can be done also by repeated injections 

 of linseed tea, in which there is two ounces of opium. An 

 application of a thin coating of mustard to the belly, or 



