I 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 89 



region of the intestines, as indicated by the horse looking anxiously 

 round to his flanks. As the pain increases, the patient will become more 

 restless, paw, kick at his belly, lie or throw himself down, and get up 

 again frequently, or roll over, or kick. The nature of the disease is 

 further recognized by the spasm soon passing away. After a short inter- 

 val, it returns, however, and the same anxious looking around at his 

 flanks and struggling is repeated. 



During the paroxysm of pain, the pulse is much quickened and the 

 breathing accelerated; during the intervals, or in the remission of the 

 spasm, they return to the normal. The mouth continues moist, and 

 the mucous membrane of the eye is not affected. During the attack, 

 there is usually a frequent passage of hard angular dung pellets. Inef- 

 fectual attempts to pass urine may be made frequently. 



If the disease is not soon relieved, the pulse becomes very frequent 

 and contracted to a thread. If the spasms continue for six hours or 

 more, there is ground for apprehension. In protracted cases the result 

 is doubtful. 



The favorable indications are an increase in the intervals of time be- 

 tween the attacks, and each attack becoming slighter than the preced- 

 ing one. Again, if the animal passes wind freely and also soft dung, it 

 is a favorable sign. The increase or decrease of the attack is also in- 

 dicated by the increasing or decreasing tenseness of the belly. 



It is especially to be remarked that the extremities continue warm 

 and the skin remains in its usual state. The symptoms are only those 

 of great spasmodic pain. There is no inflammation present. 



Treatment. — Spasmodic colic being almost invariably caused by an 

 irritant of some sort in the bowels, the most rational treatment is di- 

 rected to removing this as soon as possible. For this purpose administer 

 at once an active cathartic* 



Aloes 3 viij. 



Tincture of aconite gtt. xxx. 



Give in a pint of water as a drench, or the aloes may be given alone in a 

 ball, made up with bran, or linseed meal, and molasses, varying the, dose 

 from 3 V. to 3 x., somewhat in proportion to the size of the horse. 



