INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 359 



from the other. If it has been brought about from exposure to 

 cold, or from over-stimulating medicines given for colic, the proba- 

 bility is that the serous covering of the intestines themselves is 

 chiefly involved ; while if it has followed castration it may gener- 

 ally be concluded that the peritoneal lining of the abdominal 

 muscles has taken on inflammatory action by an immediate exten- 

 sion from the serous lining of the inguinal canal, which is con- 

 tinuous with it. In each ease, however, the symptoms are as 

 nearly as may be the same, and without knowing the previous 

 history I believe no one could distinguish the one disease from the 

 other — nor should the treatment vary in any respect. 



The symptoms of peritoneal inflammation vary in iutensity, 

 and in the rapidity of their development, but they usually show 

 themselves in the following order : — At first there is simple loss of 

 appetite, dulness of eye, and a general uneasiness, which are soon 

 followed by a slight rigor or shivering. The pulse becomes rapid, 

 but small and wiry, and the horse becomes very restless, pawing 

 his litter, and looking back at his sides in a wistful and anxious 

 manner. In the next stage all these signs are aggravated ; the 

 hind legs are used to strike at but not touch the belly ; and the 

 horse lies down, rolls on his back and struggles violently. The 

 pulse becomes cjuicker and harder, but is still small. The belly is 

 acutely tender and hard to the touch, the bowels are costive, and 

 the horse is constantly turning round, moaning, and regarding his 

 flanks with the most anxious expression of countenance. Next 

 comes on the stage so graphically described by Mr. Percivall in 

 the passage which I have quoted, the whole duration of the attack 

 being from twelve to forty-eight hours in acute cases, and extend- 

 ing to three or four days in those which are denominated sub- 

 acute. 



In the treatment of this disease, as in all those implicating serous 

 membrane, blood must be taken largely, and in a full stream, the 

 quantity usually required to make a suitable impression being 

 from six to nine quarts. The belly should be fomented with very 

 hot water, by two men holding against it a doubled blanket, dipped 

 in that fluid, which should be constantly changed, to keep up the 

 temperature. The bowels should be back-raked, and the follow- 

 ing drench should be given every six hours till it operates, which 

 should be hastened by injections of warm water. 



Take of Linseed oil I pint. 



Laudanum 2 ounces. 



If the first bleeding does not give relief in six or eight hours, it 

 must be repeated to the extent of three or four quarts, and at the 

 same time some liquid blister may be rubbed into the skin of the 

 abdomen, continuing the fomentations, at short intervals, under 



