43 



every three or four hours, one-half ounce of tincture of belladonna, or 

 one-halt dram of powdered nux vomica. Copious enemas are to be 

 given every hour, and should be varied; giving first soapy water, thea 

 salt and water, or the emulsions of turpentine already alluded to in 

 describing other diseases of the bowels. Enemas of glycerine, 2 to 4 

 ounces, are often beneficial. Eubbing or kneading of the abdominal 

 walls, the application of stimulating liniments or strong mustard 

 water will also, at times, favor the expulsion of this mass. Walking 

 exercise must occasionally be given. If this treatment is faithfully 

 carried out from the start the majority of cases will terminate favorably. 

 Where relief is not obtained inflammation of the bowels may ensue, 

 and death follow from this cause. 



Constipation or costiveness is often witnessed in the horse, and particu- 

 larly in the foal. Many colts die every year from failure on the part 

 of the attendant to note the condition of the bowels soon after birth. 

 W^henever the foal fails to pass any feces, and in particular if it pre- 

 sents any signs of colick^^ pains — straining, etc. — immediate attention 

 must be given it. As a rule, it will only be necessary to give a few 

 injections of soapy water in the rectum and to introduce the finger 

 through the anus to break down any hardened mass of dung found 

 there. If this is not effective, a purgative must be given. Oils are 

 the best for these young animals, and I mostly select castor oil, giving 

 from 2 to 4 ounces. The foal should always get the first of the mother's 

 milk, as this milk, for a few days, possesses decided laxative properties. 

 If a mare, while suckling, is taking laudanum or similar medicines, the 

 foal should bo fed during this time by hand and the mare milked upon 

 the ground. Constipation in adult horses is mostly the result of long 

 feeding on dry, innutritions food, deficiency of intestinal secretions, 

 scanty water supply, or lack of exercise. If the case is not complicated 

 with colicky symptoms, a change to light, sloppy diet, linseed gruel or 

 tea, with plenty of exercise, is all that is required. If colic exists a 

 cathartic is needed. In very many instances the constipated condition 

 of the bowels is due to lack of intestinal secretions, and when so due, 

 must be treated by giving fluid extract of belladonna three times a day 

 in 2-dram doses, and handful doses daily of Epsom salts in the feed. 



ALIjMENTARY concretions — GASTRIC AND INTESTINAL. 



Gastric concretions, calculi {stones) in the stomach. — There are prob- 

 ably but few symptoms exhibited by the horse that will lead us to sus- 

 pect the presence of gastric calculi, and possibly none by which we can 

 unmistakably asser^ v-heir presence. Stones in the stomach have been 

 most frequently found in miller's horses. A small piece of the mill-stone 

 or other foreign body may serve as a nucleus around which is deposited 

 in layers the calcareous substances which abound in their feed (the 

 sweepings of the mill floor, mixed with good food). I have noticed, and 

 it is generally recorded by veterinary writers, that a depraved and 



