DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



By Ch. B. MicHENEa, V. S. 

 [Kevised by John R. Mohler, V. M. D.] 



It is not an easy task to write " a plain account of the common 

 diseases, with directions for preventive measures, hygienic care, and 

 the simpler forms of medical treatment," of the digestive organs of 

 the horse. Being limited as to space, the endeavor has been made to 

 give simply an outline — ^to state the most important facts-cleaving 

 many gaps, and continually checking the disposition to write any- 

 thing like a full description as to cause, prevention, and modes of 

 treatment of diseases. 



WATER. 



It is generally held, at least in practice, that any water tnat stock 

 can be induced to drink is sufficiently pure for their use. This prac- 

 tice occasions losses that would startle Us if statistics were at hand. 

 Water that is impure from the presence of decomposing organic mat- 

 ter, such as is found in wells and ponds in close proximity to manure 

 heaps and cesspools, is frequently the cause of diarrhea, dysentery, 

 and many other diseases of stock, while water that is impregnated 

 with different poisons and contaminated in very many instances with 

 specific media of contagion produces death. 



Considering first the quantity of water required by the horse, it 

 may be stated that when our animals have access to water continually 

 they never drink to excess. Were the horse subjected to ship voyages 

 or any other circumstances where he must depend upon his attendant 

 for the supply of water, it may be roughly stated that he requires 

 a daily average of about 8 gallons of water. This varies somewhat 

 upon the character of his feed; if upon green feed, less water will 

 be needed than when fed upon dry hay and grain. 



The time of giving water should be carefully studied. At rest, the 



horse should receive it at least three times a day; when at work, 



more frequently. The rule should be to give it in small quantities and 



often. There is a popular fallacy that if a horse is warm he should. 



not be allowed to drink, many asserting that the first swallow of 



water " founders " the animal or produces colic. This is erroneous. 



No matter how warm a horse may be, it is always entirely safe to 



allow him from six to ten swallows of water. If this is given on 



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 36444°— 16 i 



