61 



diarrhea occurs; tlie dung is doughy, soft, or liquid. The eye- 

 lids are sometimes swollen shut and are hot and sensitive to the 

 touch. The legs and sheath are sometimes swollen and the lower 

 portion of the belly may be similarly affected. 



Treatment. — Isolate sick animals for their own comfort and the 

 safety of healthy subjects, as influenza is usually a serious dis- 

 ease. Diet, hygienic care, and a regulated ventilation of the 

 stables are sufficient. The fever may be reduced by rectal injec- 

 tions of cold water. 



Intestinal troubles may be relieved by the administration of 

 bicarbonate of soda in dram doses three times daily: if pain is 

 vary severe, 3 drams of cannabis indica may be given. Bathe 

 the eyes, if swollen, with warm water. Good nursing and laxa- 

 tive food are essential, cold water being kept where the animal 

 can help itself. 



CHAPTER VI. 



diseases of the digestive, tjrixary, nekvous, 

 and lymphatic systems. 



Diseases of the Digestive System. 



spasmodic colic— gripes. 



Spasmodic colic is a painful contraction of the intestine. The 

 usual seat of the trouble is the small intestine, and it is usually 

 caused by internal or external cold. 



SymjAoms. — The suffering is very violent but of short duration; 

 the spasms appear suddenly and disappear with the same rapidity. 

 The horse paws, stamps, looks around at his flanks, lies down and 

 rolls, and if the pain is very severe, sweats profusely. During 

 the attack a few pellets of dung may be passed, and attempts to 

 pass urine are frequently made. This latter symptom has misled 

 many persons, they being under the impression that the disease 

 was located in the " urinary organs.'' 



Treatment. — Place the animal in a large, well-bedded stall and 

 give the following: Cannabis indica 2 to 4 drams, aromatic spirits 

 ammonia 1 ounce, water to make 1 pint. Or, fluid extract bella- 

 donna 2 drams, nitrous ether 2 ounces, water to make 1 pint. 



