STOMACH STAGGEKS IN THE HORSE. 191 



Animal usually lively and well. Known to be sluggish, and found 

 Never known to have stagger- sleeping in stable with food be- 

 ing fits. tween the lips. Apt to fall 



when suddenly excited, or from 

 a noise or blow startling it. 



Earely any relapse. Should an Frequent fits; and though fat 

 animal once affected be seized and in good condition, mani- 

 again shortly after, death often fests symptoms of coma often 

 ensues. and for a long time before a 



fatal termination. 

 Curable. Incurable. 



The third or paralytic form of stomach-staggers is cha- 

 racterised by the absence, in many cases, of symptoms as 

 urgent as those which distinguish the two first forms. The 

 first indication is frequently a peculiar straggling gait ob- 

 served, especially by the loose, irregular action of the hind 

 legs. The animal walks awkwardly, moving to and fro, and 

 if pushed back or suddenly turned round, may stumble, and 

 even fall. So much do these cases invest the character of 

 local injuries, that a common expression in Scotland, when 

 such an animal is seen by non-professional persons is, that 

 he is ' racket in the back/ I have seen the disease in stal- 

 lions, and they were first noticed from incapacity to rise 

 on the hind legs, however eager to serve a mare. If the 

 animal is not immediately relieved, the general symptoms 

 become aggravated. From the first, the conjunctivas are of 

 a yellowish-red colour; pulse full and frequent; tempera- 

 ture of the body irregular; bowels costive, and urine scanty. 

 But if injudiciously treated, or left alone, colicky pains are 

 observed ; pulse becomes more frequent ; respiration laboured; 

 signs of prostration supervene, and death occurs as in the 

 comatose form. 



The absence of any sign of injury, and the fact that the 

 animal has not been hurt, so far as all persons around it can 



