418 DISEASES OF DIQESTION. 



or less extent. Inflammation of the intestine set up by partial or 

 complete twist of the intestine would in all probability be much 

 more local in extent than inflammation which was not due to a 

 mechanical or chemical irritant. 



DISTINGUISHING SIGNS BETWEEN ENTERITIS AND 

 OTHER DISEASES.-Here, the history of the case will usually 

 be a valuable guide. The chief dift'erences between true enter- 

 itis and colic from indigestion are, that in the latter, the pain 

 comes on in paroxysms, between which there are intervals of 

 ease, during which the pulse, breathing, skin and mucous mem- 

 branes are almost, if not quite, in a normal condition ; rubbing 

 and pressing the belly with the hand seem to ease the pain ; and 

 the animal appears to obtain temporary relief from rolling on the 

 ground. In true enteritis, the reverse of all this is the case ; the 

 mucous membranes are abnormally red ; the skin, in the later 

 stages, is colder than usual ; and during the paroxysms of pain, 

 the pulse is frequent and wiry; not frequent and full, as in ordi- 

 nary colic. The course of true enteritis is far more severe, more 

 rapid, and more fatal than in that of the other disease. In acute 

 pain from worms, the presence of these intestinal residents in the 

 dung will help the diagnosis. The attitude of horses suffering 

 from twists or folds of the intestines should also be studied in this 

 respect. Further information on these points can be obtained by 

 referring to the symptoms of other diseases of the alimentary 

 canal. 



TREATMENT.-— In order to give rest to the inflamed part, to 

 allay the pain, and to enable the animal to tide over the attack, 

 we can give him J oz of cannabis indica (Indian hemp) in a ball, 

 or 1 oz. of chloral hydrate in a pint of water, and repeat as may be 

 required. If flatulency be present, we may give 2 oz. of oil of 

 turpentine in a pint of linseed oil. The body may be fomented 

 (p. 664) with warm water, and an enema of the same fluid may be 

 administered. 



During convalescence, care should be observed in giving food, 

 which may consist of small quantities of bran and linseed mashes, 

 with a few scalded carrots and a little grass after a time. Dry 

 food should be avoided. 



Rupture of the Stomach, Rupture of the 

 Intestines and Vomiting. 



Rupture of the stomach is often a complication of flatulent dis- 

 tension of that organ. It is specially liable to take place when 



