THE MORSE—-THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 83 
every morning, with nux vomica at night. For liquid and offensive dung 
and total loss of appetite, give pulsatilla. Ten to twenty grains of bismuth 
or sulphate of soda night and morning will be serviceable. 
In the way of general care, ascertain the cause of indigestion and re- 
move it if possible. For example, if the teeth are uneven or long, rasp 
them}; if the food be bad, change it; give a variety of green food if dry 
grain has been fed; give oats only when crushed; feed often, but little at a 
time. When exercise has been long neglected, give regular and moderate 
walking, avoiding quick work soon after feeding, and hard work altogether 
for atime. If the animal bolts the food at the beginning of the meal, give him 
a little hay to partialiy appease hunger, then follow with the oats,-meal, 
oran, or whatever is to be given. Proper food and exercise are the essentials. 
CRIB-BITING AND WIND-SUCKING. 
These are caused by a disordered stomach, or they may be acquired by, 
imitation; hence animals given to the practices should be separated from 
others, lest they afford a pernicious example. They reduce the condition 
of the horse and induce colic. After long indulgence the gullet is irregular 
in width, the abdomen swells, and wind in the stomach ensues. 
Symptoms.—F ront teeth worn unnaturally by rubbing or pressing the 
edge of the teeth on a hard substance, as the manger; the teeth are fastened 
into the manger; the neck is curved, and air is sucked in and swallowed 
with a peculiar noise; such is called a crib-biter. The wind-sucker presses 
the lips, instead of tne teeth, against the manger; the neck is curved; the 
feet brought together, and wind sucked in and swallowed. 
TREATMENT.—Straps, racks and muzzles are of little use; straps are 
liable to induce disorders of the air-passages which will end in roaring. 
Nails and sheet-iron put on the manger are apt to fail of their purpose, and 
will break the teeth. Aloes and coal-oil put on the manger have done some 
good. An effectual remedy is to remove the manger and whatever else the 
horse can fix his teeth or lips upon, and to feed him upon the ground. The 
simplest and most effective plan, however, is to put in a smooth, hard roller 
for the edge of the manger, which will revolve easily from any attempt to 
fasten upon it with the teeth or lips, thus preventing the practice. Some 
form of muzzle may be put on that will make the act impossible. 
STOMACH STAGGERS. 
This disease is usually caused by overloading the stomach, especially 
after a considerable fast, and by quick feeding; dry hay or barley, mingled 
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