22 THE COMMON COLICS OF THE HORSE 



of his precision in foretelling the termination of his case 

 of colic will depend on the thoroughness of his first in- 

 spection, it is clear that the manner of examination must 

 be of the greatest importance. Of such importance have 

 I deemed it, that I have devoted a chapter especially to 

 its consideration. 



In the first place, I wish to lay the greatest possible 

 stress on this fact. The examination must be a lengthy- 

 one ; and my advice, especially to the young practitioner, 

 is this : After your examination on the lines laid down 

 in the following paragraphs, compose yourself, at any 

 rate, for a wait of half an hour. 



From the patient you have no verbal description of the 

 seat of pain, neither have you any information as to its 

 character. Nevertheless, the sufferer, dumb as he is, 

 will show you much if you will but carefully watch him. 

 It is not fair to suppose that the animal will hold out for 

 your inspection all possible symptoms of his malady 

 during the first five minutes you are in his box. Con- 

 sequently, you must watch him patiently until all his 

 postures for affording himself relief have made him run 

 the entire gamut of the symptoms that evidence his com- 

 plaint. 



This careful watching should be followed by a systematic 

 mode of inspection. 



I . All possible history concerning the attack should 

 be obtained from the owner or the attendant. The 

 length of time the animal has suffered, the nature of his 

 food, the manner of his attack, whether ushered in by 

 shivering attacks or not, the nature of the water-supply, 

 what emergency medicine has been administered, whether 

 previously at work or rest, whether a quick or slow 

 feeder, etc., are all important points in making the first 

 inquiry. 



