412 DISEASES OF DIGESTION. 



colic is rare among horses which are properly fed and looked 

 after. 



In England, spasmodic colic is generally due to spasm of the 

 small intestine ; and in Scotland, to that of the large bowel, on 

 account of its becoming obstructed by the excess of woody hbre 

 contained in the grass of that country. Hence, as we shall see 

 further on, it is safer to give a purgative in cases of spasmodic colic 

 in England than in Scotland. 



As mistakes are liable to be made in deciding if the attack 

 is one of colic or inflammation of the intestines; the j)erson in 

 charge of the patient should carefully study the symptoms of 

 both diseases before deciding on a doubtful case, supposing that 

 he cannot obtain the help of a veterinary surgeon. 



Entire horses, when suffering from colic, especially when they 

 show a tendency to lie on their backs, should be examined for 

 hernia. 



SYMPTOMS. — The first symptoms are usually : disinclination 

 to go on, if at work ; depression ; uneasiness ; pawing with a fore 

 foot ; arching the back ; looking round at the flank ; and making 

 attempts to lie down, which the patient does very carefully at 

 til is stage. As the attack proceeds, the animal may cow-kick at 

 his belly, or seek relief from the pain which has seized him, by 

 rolling on the ground. During these times the pulse will be fre- 

 quent, breathing laboured, and body more or less covered with 

 l)atches of perspiration. There are distinct intervals of freedom 

 from pain; the commencement of an intermission being, perhaps, 

 marked by the horse starting up on to his feet — after rolling and 

 struggling — and beginning to walk round his box, feed, or look 

 about, as if nothing had occurred. Another attack soon comes 

 on, with more or less violence; and the pain gradually passes off, 

 or the animal throws himself about and dies from exhaustion, or 

 from some other complication. While pain lasts, the skin over the 

 abdomen is not sensitive as it is in inflammation of the stomach 

 and intestines; and pressing and rubbing it seems to give relief. 

 During the intervals of rest, the condition of the breathing, pulse, 

 and skin is normal, or nearly so. During the periods of pain, the 

 pulse is frequent and full. The best distinguishing symptom is 

 that the pain is intermittent. Among unfavourable symptoms 

 we find : a cold and wet (from perspiration) condition of the 

 surface of the body; high internal temperature; frequent, small, 

 and hard pulse (showing development of inflammation; see p. 416 

 et seq.) ; difficulty of breathing; and a haggard expression of the 

 face. The act of staling in a normal and easy manner is a very 

 hopeful sign. 



