DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES 221 



horse may even violently throw himself; rapid breathing; intensifi- 

 cation of the intestinal murmurs ; assumption of an attitude like a 

 dog on his haunches. At times the animal may strain as if trying 

 to urinate, but this symptom must not be mistaken for a sign of 

 "kidney trouble," which rarely occurs. 



First-aid treatment consists in making the patient comfortable. 

 All covering and harness must be immediately removed and the 

 animal placed in a well-bedded box-stall, where he has plenty of 

 room to roll without danger. A quieting medicine may now be 

 given. For this purpose a mixture of 1 ounce each of sulphuric 

 ether and laudanum in a cup of water has been found very satis- 

 factory. A rectal injection with 6 or 8 quarts of warm, soapy water 

 will be found beneficial to empty the rectum and induce the expul- 

 sion of gas. If the pain does not abate within a reasonable period, 

 lose no time in calling a competent veterinarian, for it is probable 

 that the horse is suffering from a complication. A safe colic mix- 

 ture may be made by mixing 2 parts oil of peppermint, 15 parts oil of 

 turpentine, 15 parts tincture of ginger, 15 parts ether, and 32 parts 

 raw linseed oil. One pint may be given at a dose (repeat in an hour, 

 if necessary). 



Flatulent colic is also known by the names wind, gaseous, and 

 bloat colic. It is characterized by the accumulation of excessive 

 amounts of gas in the stomach and bowels. Fermenting foods, new 

 hay or grass, a too rapidly eaten meal, either upon an empty or 

 tired stomach, overeating on sound grain, or eating spoiled grain 

 are all possible causes. 



The symptoms resemble those of spasmodic colic with the follow- 

 ing exceptions — the abdominal pain is not so severe, but is more 

 constant; there is less violence shown by the patient in his at- 

 tempts to get reUef; a pronounced bloating occurs and the right 

 flank often becomes very tense from distention with gas; tinkling 

 sounds may be heard when the ear is placed over the flank, but 

 peristalsis has ceased. As in spasmodic colic, both feed and 

 water are refused. 



Treatment should be stimulative rather than sedative. Ad- 

 minister agents to assist in toning up the system and hastening 

 elimination of the irritating materials and gases from the stomach 

 and intestines. The stomach-tube may be used to remove the 

 stomach contents. When the cecum is mucli distended with gas 

 and the patient is distressed, a mechanical opening must be provided 



