220 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



situated in the abdominal cavity other than the stomach and 

 bowels. Our discussion will be limited to true colic, proceeding 

 from the intestinal canal and stomach. False colic may arise 

 from painful diseases of the bladder, kidney, and other abdominal 

 organs except those comprising the digestive tube. It is thus 

 readily seen that the symptom, abdominal pain, is not pathogno- 

 monic of colic. The absurdity of laying down a set of rules to follow 

 in all cases is likewise apparent. 



Causes. — General predisposing causes of colic are the relatively 

 small size of the stomach and the complicated arrangement of the 

 intestines. General determining causes include all forces which 

 may induce acute indigestion, such as food, water, and errors in 

 the proper distribution of work and rest. Of these the last are the 

 most important. As they are largely under the control of the 

 horseman, he usually has no one but himself to blame if his charge 

 develops colic. 



The two symptoms characteristic of and always present in true 

 colic are pain originating in the stomach or bowels and suppressed 

 or altered peristalsis. When these are found it is safe to diagnose 

 the case as colic. All colics are dangerous and no time should be 

 lost in rendering rehef , as comphcations of a very serious nature are 

 apt to set in at any time. Approximately, 10 per cent, of the cases 

 end fatally. 



Although veterinarians recognize no less than five varieties of 

 colic, most cases may be classed either as a form of spasmodic or 

 flatulent colic. After a little practical experience it is not difficult 

 to differentiate between these two forms. 



Spasmodic colic is a sudden and violent contraction of the 

 muscular coat of the bowels. It is produced by such things as a 

 large drink of cold water when warm, exposure to cold rains or 

 draughts, a sudden change in the character of the feed. Some 

 horses, from natural weakness of the digestive organs, are suscep- 

 tible to colic and must be handled with especial care. This form 

 of colic is oftenest seen in animals of a nervous temperament kept 

 under good stable conditions. 



The symptoms, as usually seen, are a sudden attack of pain, 

 lasting from five to fifteen minutes, with a tendency to recur; 

 turning of the head toward the flank; "chills" due to improper 

 distribution of the blood; pawing and stamping with the feet; pro- 

 fuse sweating; attempts to he down and roll, in severe pain the 



