DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 97 



water, and laxative in themselves, should be allowed at this period. If 

 a purgative does not seem to take effect in from twenty to twenty- 

 four hours after its administration, moderate walking exercise is to be 

 prescribed, for it is a fact that the longer a purgative is retained in the 

 body, the greater the danger from its superaction; if, however, purging 

 has actually commenced, exercise, by increasing it, is apt to cause harm. 

 It is therefore necessary to keep the horse quiet until the physic has 

 'set.'" 



Symptoms. — Constant purging; debility; weak pulse, a very offen- 

 sive smell from the fseces; foBtid breath; eyes becoming glassy, and if 

 the bowel become occluded by inflammation, great distention of the belly. 



Treatment. — So long as the horse remains moderately lively, the 

 pulse but slightly accelerated, the countenance natural, and so long as 

 some appetite remains, it is unnecessary to take any active measures to 

 restrain the purging, which is the natural and physiological response of 

 the intestines to the action of the cathartic; it is therefore irrational and 

 dangerous to check it, and all that is requisite is to allow the horse to par- 

 take of demulcent drinks, such as thin flour gruel, if it will do so spon- 

 taneously, at the same time keeping it perfectly still, warmly clad, and 

 taking care that it does not drink too freely of anything whatever. 

 Should there be any colicky pains, moderate doses of opium are to be 

 administered. Care, however, must be taken that the purging be not 

 checked even by these means too suddenly; as the consequence of this 

 might be congestion of the intestinal mucous membrane, denoted by 

 tympanites, great prostration, cessation of the purging, etc., finally ter- 

 minating in death. 



If the purgation continue, an endeavor should be made to over- 

 come it gradually but not too quickly. For this purpose laudanum, 

 chalk, and flour gruel are recommended: 



Laudanum, 



Prepared chalk aas ij. 



Give as a drench mixed with a quart of wheat-flour gruel, 



every three or four hours until the purging is checked; hot applications 

 being in the mean while applied to the abdomen, great care being taken 

 that the animal has no access to cold water or other fluid, as its thirst is 

 '^eat and it is apt to drink inordinately; but it is essential that it should 



have small quantities of flour orruel or other emollient drink, not only 



7 



