184 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 



to move on the accumulated mass of faeces; the spasms then com- 

 mence as the result of the repeated efforts of the intestines above 

 the obstruction to forcibly remove this mass of ingesta. Yet, 

 again, farm horses are not infrequently the subjects of flatulent 

 (or windy) colic either from this dry indigestible material fer- 

 menting and thus producing increasing quantities of gases which 

 develop distressing and dangerous symptoms, or the same result 

 also occurs from the injudicious use of succulent green food, by 

 allowing it to be given in a too 3'oung and consequently immature 

 state or under conditions, for which the atmosphere is responsible 

 which are known to render this description of diet unsuitable for 

 use. Yet, again, although manj^ farm horses can and do live ex- 

 clusively, during certain monthsof the year on succulent green food, 

 their digestive organs require to become accustomed gradually to 

 this kind of diet otherwise if allowed to indulge in a sudden reple- 

 tion, flatulent colic is the usual sequel of this indiscretion. 

 Where really good nutritious food is a staple commodity and 

 horses are kept in high condition, intestinal disturbance result- 

 ing in colic is of frequent occurrence through the injudicious prac- 

 tice of administering more food than the digestive organs can dis- 

 pose of, as is frequently done after an extra hard day's work when 

 the urgency of agricultural requirements demand long hours at 

 high pressure; the animals are supplied with more rich food than 

 the system can appropriate and a greater quantity than will pass 

 through the digestive canal, the consequence being that accumu- 

 lations take place and obstructions are established with the re- 

 sults that have already been defined. 



Horses both of the heavy and the light classes that have to 

 work from one place to another, undertaking long, tiresome 

 journeys, as is often the case with those kept in large towns in 

 connection with big trading concerns, owe their attacks of colic 

 more frequently to the influence of cold and damp; to a too free 

 allowance of cold water; to at one hour proceeding at a rapid 

 pace and then standing still for a considerable time and on their 

 return home late at night to an over repletion of food on an empty 

 stomach. 



Other causes of colic are those of the various forms of mechani- 

 cal obstructions, such as impaction of indigestible material, and 

 the presence of large numbers of worms. 



