336 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



having all the faeces in solution without any glairy mucous 

 matter ; and also by being seldom accompanied with fever, 

 or any great affection of the general health. Some horses 

 are Terj liable to purging on exertion, and such are termed 

 by grooms " washy " ; having usually narrow chests and 

 lank bellies, in which the intestines have not sufficient 

 room for their natural processes, bat are pressed on, and 

 thus forced to a hasty expulsion of the unassimilated 

 contents. 



Causes. — Diarrhoea may arise from mechanical pressure 

 resulting from the last cause ; thus, a light belly is often 

 found with occasional diarrhoea, or it may arise from a 

 debility in the intestines themselves. A weakened state of 

 the bowels, inclining to this affection, is often brought on 

 by drastic purges. It may likewise spring from the intes- 

 tines containing some offensive matter which nature is 

 striving to cast out, little dung being emitted at a time. 



It may also be occasioned by the sudden application of 

 cold, whereby the exhalant vessels of the skin becoming 

 checked, more fluid is necessarily thrown on the intestines, 

 vv^iich operates not only by increasing their quantity, but 

 likewise by the addition of something foreign, hence 

 irritating to them. In those cases which are marked with 

 thirst and increased pulse, the restoration of the healthy 

 action of the skin is necessary to a cure ; diaphoretics, as 

 antimony, warm clothing, etc., are advisable, and the use of 

 outward astringents. 



The Treatment. — In general cases, when the motion is 

 copious, little need be done. Nature is then relieving her- 

 self, and requires little more than warmth and a change of 

 diet. If constitutional, we must palliate by a mild but 

 constant check on the existing causes. A light-bellied horse 

 should not be worked severely several days together; avoid 

 too much water, or too early labour directly after meals. 

 Let the fseces be examined : if the food passes away un- 

 digested, the stomach requires tonics ; but if it be a recent 

 attack, examine well for the probable cause. Has it followed 

 any undue exposure, any violent exertion, any change of 

 food, any great dirference in the warmth of the stable ? Is 

 the water good in quality ? Are the oats, or is the hay, new ? 

 If none of 1:hese causes operate, we must tirst make ourselves 

 aware that it is the faecal discharge which passes, for such 

 appearances have concealed an obstinate constipation. 



