84: VETEKLNAKY MEDICINE AJSID SURGERY. 



INDIGESTION. 



Synonyms. — G-astric impaction; Gorged stomach; Grain founder; 

 Impaction of the stomach. 



Etiology. — May be the result of a variety of causes: improper 

 food; in most cases too great quantities of food; imperfect mastication; 

 natural weakness of the stomach. In colts, removal from the dam at too 

 early an age; drinking too cold milk, etc. 



Symptoms. — Loss of appetite; a desire to eat dirt and filth; rough, 

 hide-bound skin; possibly a dry cough; colicky pains an hour or so after 

 food. In cases of gorging, the horse will, in a short time afterward, 

 begin to show signs of distress which will increase rapidly; the body may 

 be covered with a cold perspiration; the extremities are cold, pulse 

 rapid; eructations of gas; attempts to vomit, which, however, are 

 ineffectual further than the occasional flow of saliva from the mouth. 

 The animal will lie down on his belly, and roll about and alternately 

 stand up. He is disposed to stand with his head low down, and to press 

 his forehead against his manger or the wall. 



Treatment. — In all cases of simple indigestion, it is best to change 

 the diet in some way, for a time at least. If a colt, give a dose 

 of castor oil: 



Castor oil 3 viij.-xij. 



An older horse may have: 



Powdered aloes, 



Powdered ginger aa 5 ss. 



Make into a ball with molasses. 



After the cathartic has operated, give: 



Bicarbonate of sodium, 



Powdered gentian aa 3 ss. 



Powdered nux vomica gi'. xxx. 



Make one ball with molasses, and give two daily. 



If the hair is thick, clipping is sometimes magically effective. Mod 



