37 



of the stomach, which have been described by some as "acute indi- 

 gos tiou.") 



■Si/mptoms. — Indigestion is characterized by irregular appetite; re- 

 fusing all food at times, and at others eating ravenously ; the appetite 

 is not only irregular, but is often depraved ; there is a disposition on 

 the part of the liorse to eat unusual substances, as wood, soiled bed- 

 ding, or even his rwn feces ; the bowels are irregular, to-day loose and 

 bad smelling, to-morrow bound ; grain often i^assed whole in the feces 

 and the hay passed in balls or impacted masses undergoing but little 

 change ; the horse frequently passes considerable quantities of wind 

 that has a sour odor. The animal loses flesh, the skin presents a hard, 

 dry appearance, and seems very tight (hide-bound). If these symp- 

 toms occur in a single horse in a stable where others are kept we must 

 look, not to the feed, but to the animal himself for the cause of his 

 trouble. 



Treatment. — It is evident, from the many causes of indigestion and 

 from its protean forms, that we must be exceedingly careful in our ex- 

 aminations of the subject of this disorder. We must commence with 

 the food, its quality, quantity, and time of feeding; examine the water 

 supply, and see, besides, that it is gi%"en before feeding; then we must 

 carefully observe the condition of the mouth and teeth ; and, continuing 

 our observations as best we may, endeavor to locate the seat of trouble 

 — whether it is in the stomach, intestines, or annexed organs of diges- 

 tion, as the liver and pancreas. If the teeth are sharp or irregular 

 they must be rasped down ; if any are decayed they must be extracted; 

 if indigestion is due to ravenous eating or bolting the food, we must 

 then feed from a large manger where the grain can be spread and the 

 horse compelled to eafc slowly. 



In the great majority of cases I have found a cathartic, aloes 1 ounce, 

 or linseed oil 1 pint, to be of much service if given at the outset. Any 

 irritation, such as worms, undigested food, etc., that are operating as 

 " causes," are thus removed, and in many instances no further treat- 

 ment is required. There is mostly a tendency to distension of the 

 stomach and bowels with gas during indigestion, and I have never 

 found any treatment so effective as the following alkaline tonic: Bak- 

 ing soda, powdered ginger, and powdered gentian, equal parts. These 

 are to be thoroughly mixed and given in heaping tablespoonful doses, 

 twice a day, before feeding. This powder is best given by dissolving 

 the above quantity in a half pint of water, and given as a drench. 



INTESTINAL WORMS. 



Although there are several species of worms found in the intestines 

 of horses, it will be sufficient, in an article like this, to refer only to 

 three or four of the most common ones. Worms are most frequently 

 seen in young horses, and in those that are weak and debilitated. They 

 commonly exist in horses that are on low, wet, or marshy xjastures, and 

 in those that drink stagnant water. 



