192 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 
It is well known to physiologists, and I presume the read 
must have observed, that both men and animals inherit peculia: 
idiosyncrasies. Each are predisposed, either through parental de 
fect, temperament, or conformation, to certain forms of disease. 
This peculiarity, or predisposition, is sai to lurk in breed, and 
those conversant with the horse’s structure and temperament can 
readily determine whether he be predisposed to certain forms of 
disease or not. For example, a horse predisposed to flatulent colic 
's often observed to have a capacious belly, voracious appetite, and 
Joes not properly masticate his food ; and he is not over-particular 
as to the kind of diet, for we often find him devouring, with ap- 
parent relish, the filthy straw that has served as bedding. Often 
he proves to be a “criv-biter.” /Cribbing is a defect, either in- 
herited or acquired.) Ordinarily the salivial fluid is augmented, 
yet it does not look healthy; “t is more like soap-suds, and of a 
dirty color. The tongue is also foul, and the breath somewhat 
fetid. One or more of these peculiarities generally predominate 
in colicky horses. I contend, therefore, that some horses are pre- 
disposed to colic; and this explains the reason why the ordinary 
exciting causes, such as cold water, exposure, fatigue, irritating 
food and medicine, are operative on the system of one horse and 
inoperative on that of another. Colic is the heritage of some of 
the best horses in the world. 
Now, should the question be asked, What are the causes of colic? 
I answer, It is occasioned by predisposing, direct and indirect 
causes, operating conjointly or not. In all cases of colic, the 
function of the stomach is either disturbed or partly suspended. 
Treatment.—The principal objects in the cure of colic are, to 
restore the tone of the stomach, by means of stimulants and tonics, 
and to arrest fermentation and absorb the gases of the alimentary 
canal. I shall not undertake to say that tho remedies here alluded 
to are the very best; but, as I have met with remarkable success 
in their use, I can safely recommend them. I have an impression 
that when a horse is the subject of colic, he requizes to be treated 
just as any intelligent physician would treat one of us. There 
is no necessity to convert his stumach into a “slop-shop.” The 
patient should be treated in a rational manner, by the same means 
and with the same skill as if one of our race were concerned. 
T do not like to see an animal trotted up one street and dows 
another, followed by a biped, whip in hand, and a crowd of idlere 
