DISBASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 63 



against the stall which he presses with his tail, and then lies down on 

 his side again stretching out his legs. The pulse is little changed at 

 first, being full and sluggish; later if condition is not improved, the 

 pulse becomes rapid and feeble. 



The Treatment. This consists in efforts to produce movements of 

 the bowels. A. cathartic is to be given, care being taken to give a full 

 dose. Powdered aloes, one ounce ; calomel two drams ; and powdered 

 nux vomica one dram should be given. In place of this linseed oil 

 one pint and fifteen drops of croton oil may be used. Some give Epsom 

 salts one pound with one-quarter pound of common salt claiming this 

 makes the animal thirsty and the water of which it will drink large 

 quantities will soften the hardened mass in the large intestines thus 

 favoring its expulsion. Remember it takes from twenty to thirty hours 

 before a horse responds to a physic, and under no circumstances should 

 the dose be repeated in less time. If aloes have been given and have 

 failed to operate, follow at the proper time with oil or some different 

 cathartic. Give the animal all the water he will drink. The action of 

 the physic may be aided by giving every three or four hours, one-half 

 ounce of tincture of belladonna, or one-half dram of nux vomica. In- 

 jections into the rectum should be given every hour using at least six 

 quarts at a time and varied; give first soapy water, then salt and water, 

 then one ounce of turpentine mixed with eight ounces of linseed oil. 

 Rubbing or kneading of the ' 'belly, ' ' putting on stimulating liniments 

 or strong mustard water will at times favor the expulsion of the harden- 

 ed mass. When relief is not obtained it runs into inflammation of the 

 bowels, and death follows. 



Constipation or Costiveness. This is a common disease in the 

 adult horse, r)articularly in the foal. Many colts die every i?ear from 

 failure on the part of the attendant to note the coni''ior of the Dowels 

 soon after birth. Whenever the foal fails to pass feces or shows signs 

 of colicky pains, immediate attention must be given. A few injections 

 of soapy water in the rectum to break down any hardened mass iS 

 usually all that is necessary. If this is not effective, a purgative must 

 be given. Oils are the best for these young animals, and two to four 

 ounces of castor oil should be given. The foal should always get the 

 first of it mother's milk, as this milk, for a few days, possesses decided 

 laxative properties. Constipation in adult horses is usually the result of 

 feeding on dry, innutritions food, scanty water supply, or lack of ex- 

 ercise. Usually a change to light, sloppy food linseed gruel or tea, 



