DYSPEPSIA. .221 



and imperfectly masticating their oats. Over-work induces 

 dyspepsia. Foals and calves die from being fed on copious 

 draughts of cold milk, morning and night. Cattle are seized 

 with a morbid appetite and dyspeptic symptoms on poor 

 lands. 



Symptoms. In the horse a staring coat, dulness at work, 

 emaciation, with a tucked-up appearance of the belly, are 

 amongst the most apparent signs of dyspepsia. The frequent 

 discharge of fetid flatus, the presence of undigested food in 

 the faeces, and, especially, of uncrushed oats, &c., and the 

 occasional appearance of griping pains, all indicate that the 

 digestive organs are at fault. In cows we observe a diminished 

 appetite, and a desire to pick up and swallow dirt, sand, 

 lime, &c. The faeces are hard, scanty, and coated with 

 mucus. The animal falls out of condition, and the secretion 

 of milk is very poor and scanty. For the symptoms in suck- 

 ing animals, see the description of diarrhoea. It is not un- 

 common to observe looseness of the bowels from imperfect 

 action of the stomach. In ruminants and in carnivorous 

 animals, frequent eructations, and even retching, are symptoms 

 of the dyspeptic state. 



Treatment. Eegulate the diet according to the animal. 

 In severe cases give a purgative, and follow up by injections. 

 Allow the most easily digested food in small quantities, 

 rather frequently. When the appetite has failed in the 

 horse, I have found that equal parts of bruised coriander 

 seeds and common salt, given to the extent of about an 

 ounce at each meal, is beneficial. The common salt may, in 

 troublesome cases, be superseded by carbonate of soda, which 

 stimulates the gastric secretion in a very remarkable manner. 

 Do not try too many medicines, and avoid large doses, as the 

 irritable and disordered stomach is apt to suffer considerably 

 from injudicious drugging. Moderate exercise and fresh 



