38 STOMACH-STAGGERS. 



ploughing, and especially if the food with which they 

 are afterwards supplied be not very good. It is 

 foolish economy to keep the half-mouldy provender 

 of the farm for home-consumption. Old horses are 

 particularly subject to stomach-staggers from the 

 digestion sharing the general debility of the system. 

 They are so, especially if they should get a few days' 

 rest, and be fed somewhat better than usual. The 

 weakened stomach will not be able to bear the un- 

 usual stimulus, and indigestion will ensue. In some 

 cases stomach-staggers has prevailed as an epidemic, 

 and has appeared amongst horses at grass, as well 

 as in stable. Then though the symptoms have been 

 very similar, yet they could not be referred to dis- 

 tention, but might, in a great measure, be traced to a 

 loss of vital energy. 



The treatment must be principally directed to the 

 removal of the offending body. If there seem de- 

 pression of the system, bloodletting should be ab- 

 stained from. Liquids ought to be withheld, save 

 where they are required in the form of medicine, and 

 no time should be lost in administering a diffusable 

 stimulant, consisting of sulphuric ether, four ounces; 

 chloride of zinc, one scruple ; water, one pint. The 

 effect should be watched, its benefits being first seen 

 on the altered countenance of the animal. 



The above drink may be repeated every half-hour, 

 should no amendment ensue upon its administration. 

 The relief of the stomach will be shown by the abate- 

 ment of the symptoms long before the bowels act, 

 and to relieve the stomach every artifice must be em- 

 ployed. When this is accomplished, the diet should 



