42 



the most prominent (distended) part by means of a small trocar and 

 canula, or with the needle of a hypodermic syringe, thus allowing tlio 

 escape of gas, has often saved life, and such punctures are not foUo-wed 

 by any bad results in the majority of instances. 



Impaction of the large intestines. — This is a very common bowel trouble 

 and one which, if not promptly recognized and properly treated, results 

 in death. It is caused mostly b^^ overfeeding, especially of grain, and 

 I have noticed that it is much more common where rye is fed alone, or 

 with other grains; old, dry, hard hay, or stalks when largely fed ; defi- 

 ciency of secretions of the intestinal tract, lack of water, want of exer- 

 cise, paralysis of nerve endings, medicines, etc. 



Symptoms.— Imiiaction of the large bowels is to be diagnosed by a 

 slight abdominal pain, which may disappear for a day or two to reap- 

 pear with more viole-ice. The feces is passed somewhat more frequently, 

 but in smaller quantities and more dry ; the abdomen is full, but not 

 distended with gas 5 the horse at first is noticed to paw and soon begins 

 to look back at his sides. Probably one of the most characteristic 

 symptoms is the position assumed when down. He lies flat on his 

 side, head and legs extended, occasionally raising his head to look 

 toward his flank ; he remains on his side for from five to fifteen minutes 

 at a time. Evidently this position is the one giving the most freedom 

 from pain. He rises at times, w^alks about the stall, paws, looks at his 

 sides, backs up against the stall which he presses with his tail, and 

 soon lies down again, assuming his favored position. The bowels have 

 ceased entirely to move. The pulse is but little changed at first, being 

 full and sluggish ; later, if this condition is not overcome, it becomes 

 rapid and feeble. I have known horses to suffer from impaction of the 

 bowels for a week, yet eventually recover, and others have reported 

 cases extending two or even three weeks which ended favorably. As 

 a rule, however, they seldom last over four or five days, many, in fact, 

 dying sooner than this. 



The treatment consists of efibrts to produce movement of the bowels, 

 and to prevent infLammation of the same from arising. A large cathartic 

 is to be given as early as possible 5 either of the following are recom- 

 mended: Powdered Barbadoes aloes 1 ounce, calomel 2 drams, and 

 powdered nux vomica 1 dram; or linseed oil 1 pint, and croton oil 15 

 drops. Some favor the administration of Epsom salts, 1 pound, with 

 one-quarter pound of common salt, claiming that this causes the horse 

 to drink largely of water, and thus mechanically softening the impacted 

 mass and favoring its expulsion. Whichever physic is selected it is 

 essential that you give a full dose. This is much better than small and 

 repeated doses. It must be borne in mind that horses require about 

 twenty-four hours in which to respond to a physic, and under no cir- 

 cumstances are physics to be repeated sooner than this. If aloes has 

 been given and has failed to operate at the proper time, oil or some dif 

 ferent cathartic should then be administered. Allow the horse all the 

 water he will drink. The action of the physic may be aided by giving, 



