222 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



by plunging a small trocar through the wall of the right flank for 

 escape of the gas. Veterinarians favor hypodermic injections 

 of arecalin or physostigmin in moderate doses until relief is 

 apparent. A good remedy is made by mixing 8 ounces aromatic 

 spirits of ammonia with 2 ounces fluidextract of nux vomica. 

 This mixture is given in 2-ounce doses diluted with § pint of cold 

 water every two or three hours. The diet must be restricted for 

 some days after the pain has disappeared. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS 

 Enteritis is another term for this disease, in which the mucous 

 lining of the intestines becomes greatly congested and inflamed. 

 It is acute, severe, and usually fatal. In practice it most frequently 

 appears as a sequela of indigestion. Twists and folds of the intes- 

 tines interfere with the circulation and cause intense inflammatory 

 changes. 



The symptoms are similar to those of colic, but are more pro- 

 nounced in every way except the abdominal pain. The case is 

 ushered in with severe chills and fever above 103° F., as a rule. 

 The pulse is hard, fast, and wiry; the respirations are hurried and 

 oppressed; the visible mucous membranes become deeply congested. 

 When the horse lies down he does so very carefully. Pressure 

 over the abdomen causes pain and will be resented. An anxious, 

 distressed expression is noticeable, and the patient either paws con- 

 tinuously or walks around in his stall until exhausted. 



Little can be done by way of treatment other than to mitigate 

 the animal's sufferings. Ounce doses of laudanum in a quart of 

 linseed tea will relieve the pain and act as a dressing to the inflamed 

 lining of the intestines. 



