DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 93 



and the pulse is full and hard — not weak, nor above 80 beats in the min- 

 ute — blood may be drawn, until an alteration is effected in the character 

 of the pulse. 



As long as the pulse is hard and full, stimulants will be injurious; but 

 at a later period, when prostration supervenes, as it usually does, and the 

 pulse becomes small and quick, they will be needed. 



If on the other hand the pulse, even in the preliminary or early stage, 

 is small and wiry, and such is generally the case, if the extremities are 

 cold, and if there is great prostration, blood-letting will certainly be in- 

 jurious. 



Again in all cases, both with a view of exciting external or counter- 

 irritation and also for the purpose of alleviating the pain, it is most essen- 

 tial to apply to the abdomen hot blankets steeped in boiling water in 

 which a little mustard has been put, say a tablespoonful to a pint of 

 water. When the fomentation is discontinued, blanket the horse well to 

 keep him warm. 



Avoid the use of all cathartics; do not try to force the contents of the 

 bowels through the inflamed parts. Injections of warm water may be 

 tried a day or two after the severe symptoms have abated. 



When the appetite returns, feed small quantities of food at a time, 

 and let it consist entirely of boiled substances — bran mashes, thin oat- 

 meal porridge; milk and water may be given sparingly and in small quan- 

 tity at a time. 



Some cases, properly treated, will terminate quickly and favorably, 

 but the result is always doubtful. If an unfavorable result is likely to 

 ensue, the duration of the attack is generally short, and if a favorable 

 change does not take place in from twelve to twenty-four hours, the case 

 usually terminates fatally. 



The disease may also terminate in effusion of serum into the abdomi- 

 nal cavity, otherwise called ascites. This termination will be apparent 

 by a dropsical state of the legs and sheath, as well as by swellings under 

 the belly. There will be tenderness on the application of pressure to the 

 belly, and also a straggling gait of the hind quarters in walking. The 

 breathing will be quickened, short, and painful, and the patient may 

 probably lie down at full length and groan. The treatment of such an 

 after-result will consist in good nursing and judicious, but not over-feed- 

 ing, with nutritious diet, and the administration of tonics. 



