SO-CALLED COLICS OF THE HORSE 113 



defecation ceases. Rectal examination usually gives negative 

 results. In small horses, however, an examiner with a long 

 arm may palpate the ileum at its union with the cecum, as 

 a smooth, cylindrical, firm mass about the size of an arm 

 located to the right of the spinal column and extending from 

 above obliquely downward and backward toward the cecum. 

 The size of the bowel and the absence of bands indicate that 

 it is small and not large intestine. If the duodenum is 

 impacted, it may be felt where it crosses the abdominal 

 cavity from right to left just in front of the anterior root 

 of the mesentery. It is attached to the roof of the cavity 

 by a short mesentery. 



The pulse, temperature and conjunctiva are usually normal 

 in the early stages (contrary to volvulus) . 



Course. — ^Fresh cases if properly treated usually recover 

 in three to six hours. Attacks lasting longer should be 

 looked upon less favorably. The colic in these instances 

 may continue for several days the patient showing inter- 

 mittent pain which occurs following feeding. The pulse 

 becomes very rapid, the temperature feverish and the 

 conjunctiva cyanotic. Death may also result from ensuing 

 volvulus which is fatal in eight to twelve hours, intestinal 

 sepsis or enteritis. 



Prognos's. — ^The prognosis in impaction of the small 

 intestines is generally good. Not over 5 per cent, of the 

 cases die. 



Treatment. — In the early stages a subcutaneous injection 

 of arecalin (| gr.) which may be followed, if the results are 

 not satisfactory, by a hypodermic of eserin (J gr.). Usually 

 the administration of these drugs is followed in from thirty 

 minutes to one hour by defecation and recovery in three 

 to six hours. If the condition has been neglected or the 

 action of arecalin and eserin unsatisfactory, aloes (gj) may 

 be administered. Peristalsis may be further stimulated by 

 infusions of water into the rectum, massage of. the impacted 

 bowel through the rectum, and moderate exercise. In pro- 

 longed attacks lasting several days the patient should be 

 muzzled to prevent feeding. 



If secondary distention of the stomach occur, treat as 

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