33 



rupture; that I have found mixture of the stomacli where vomiting 

 had not occurred ; that I have Avitnessed vomiting where the horse 

 soon after made a rapid recover}', /. e. , when the stomach was not 

 ruptured. In spite of this contradictory evidence, I am of the opinion 

 that, taken in connection with other symptoms, this sign is of value as 

 pointing toward rupture of tlie stomach. This accident has occurred 

 in my practice mostly in lieavy draught horses. A lu'ominent symp- 

 tom observed (though I have also seen it in diaphragmatic hernia) 

 is where the horse, if possible, gets the front feet on higher ground 

 tlian the hind ones, or sits on his haunches, like a dog. This position 

 affords relief to some extent, and it will be maintained for some min- 

 utes; it is also quickly regained when the horse has changed it for 

 some other. Colicky symptoms, of course, are present, and these will 

 vary much, and present no diagnostic value. As the case progresses 

 " tlie horse will often stretch forward the fore legs, lean backwards 

 and downwards until the belly nearly touches the ground, and then 

 rise up again with a groan, after which the fluid from his nostrils is 

 issued in increased quantity." The pulse is fast and weak, breathing 

 hurried, body bathed in a clammy sweat, limbs tremble violently, the 

 horse reels or staggers from side to side, and death quickly ends the 

 scene. 



In the absence of any pathognomonic symptom Percivall says we 

 must take into account the history of the case; the subject of it; the 

 circumstances attending it ; the swollen condition of the abdomen ; tlie 

 symi^toms of colic that cease suddenly and are succeeded by cold 

 sweats and tremors; the pulse from being quick and small and thready, 

 growing Aveak and more frequent, and at length running down and 

 becoming altogether imperceptible; the countenance donating gloom 

 and despondency of the heaviest character, looking back at the flank 

 and groaning, sometimes crouching with the hind quarters, with or 

 without eructation, and vomiting. 



There is no freatmeni that can be of any use whatever. Could we 

 be sure of our diagnosis it would be better to destroy the animal a-t 

 once. Since, however, there is alwaj's the possibility of a mistake in 

 diagnosis, we may give powdered opium in 1-drachm doses every two or 

 three hours, with the object of keeping the stomach as quiet as j)0ssible. 



Gasffifis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the 

 stomach. As an idiopathic disease it very rarely exists; but is mostly 

 seen to be due to mechanical irritation, or to giving irritant and corro- 

 sive i)oisons in too large doses or without sufficient dilution. Tlie 

 sijtiqyfoins are not well marked; there is a febrile condition, colicky 

 pains, and, mostly, intense thirst. When poisons have produced gas- 

 tritis there will be other symptoms referable to the action of the par- 

 ticular poison swallowed. If, for instance, the gastritis is due to a 

 salt of lead, we must exiDect to find difficult or labored breathing, 

 5901 — HOR 2 



