DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE OBCANS. 33 



should be allowed. Aromatic and demulcent drafts may be given to 

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

 to promote digestion. Two ounces of camomile flowers should be 

 boiled for 20 minutes in a quart of water and the infusion on cooling 

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

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

 tive may be administered: One pound of Glaubers salt dissolved in 

 a quart of linseed t€a and a pint of molasses. After this purgative 

 has acted, if there is a lack of appetite and the animal does not 

 ruminate regularly, the powder mentioned in remarks on the treat- 

 ment of chronic tympanites may be given according to directions. 

 The diet must be rather laxative and of a dige^stible character after 

 an attack of this form of indigestion. P'ood should be given in mod- 

 erate quantities, as any excess by overtaxing the digestive functions 

 may bring on a relapse. Ice-cold water should be avoided. 



INDIGESTION FROM DBINKING COLD WATER (COUC). 



This disorder is produced by drinking copiously of cold water, 

 which arrests digestion and produces cramp of the fourth vStomach, 

 probably of the other stomachs, and also of the bowels. 



Causes. — It is not customaiT for the ox to drink much water at 

 once. In fact, he usually drinks slowly and as if he were merely tast- 

 ing the water, letting some fall out at the corners of his mouth at 

 every mouthful. It would therefore seem to be contrary to the habits 

 of the ox to drink largely ; but we find that during hot weather, when 

 he has been working and is consequently very thirsty, if he drinks 

 a large quantity of cold water he may be immediately taken witli a 

 very severe colic. Cows which are fed largely on dry hay drink 

 copiously, like the working ox, and become affected in pre<?isely the 

 same manner. In such cases they are seized with a chill or fit of 

 trembling before the cramps come on. 



Synhptoms. — There is some distention of the abdomen, but no accu- 

 mulation of gas. As the distention and pain occur immediately after 

 the animal has drunk the water, there can be no doubt as to the 

 exciting cause. 



Treatment. — Walk the animal about for 10 minutes before admin- 

 istering medicine, as tliis allows time for a portion of the contents of 

 the stomach to pass into the bowel, and renders it safer to give medi- 

 cine. In many cases the walking exercise and the diaiThea bring 

 about a spontaneous cure of this disorder, but as in some instances 

 the cramps and pains of the stomachs persist, one may give 1 ounce 

 of sulphuric ether and 1 ounce of tincture of opium, shaken up with 

 a pint of warm water^ and repeat the dose in half an hour if the ani- 

 mal is not relieved. In an emergency when medicine is not to be had, 

 16923°— 12 3 



