DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE OBGANS. 73 



symptoms are as in other forms of obstruction colic. The history of 

 the case is of much service in diagnosing the trouble. The treatment 

 consists in the administration of laxatives. One may give 1 quart of 

 raw linseed oil and follow it the next day with 1 pound of Glauber's 

 salt dissolved in a quart of warm water. Strychnia may be given in 

 doses of 1 grain two or three times daily. If the stagnant mass of 

 feces is in the rectum, it must be removed with the hand. 



AbnoTTnal growths, such as tumors or fibrous tissue, producing 

 jcontraction or stricture, may be causes of obstruction. The colic 

 caused by these conditions is chronic. The attacks occur at gradually 

 shortening intervals and become progressively more severe. Relief is 

 afforded by the use of purgatives that render the feces soft and thin 

 and thus enable them to pass the obstruction, but in time the con- 

 tracted place is liable to close so far that passage is impossible and 

 the horse will die. 



Flatulent colic (t-tmpanitic colic, avind colic, or bloat). — 

 Among the most frequent causes of this form of colic are to be men- 

 tioned sudden changes of feed, too long fasting and feed then given 

 while the animal is exhausted, new hay or grain, large quantities of 

 feed that is green or that has lain in the manger for some time and 

 become sour, indigestible feed, irregular teeth, crib biting,, and, in 

 fact, anything that produces indigestion may produce flatulent colic. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of wind colic are not so suddenly 

 developed nor so severe as those of cramp colic. At first the horse 

 is noticed to be dull, paws slightly, and may or may not lie down. 

 The pains from the start are continuous. The belly enlai-ges, and 

 by striking it in front of the haunches a drumlike sound results. 

 If not soon relieved the above symptoms are aggravated, and in 

 addition difficult breathing, bloodshot eyes, and red mucous mem- 

 branes, loud tumultuous heart beat, profuse perspiration, trembling 

 of front legs, sighing respiration, staggering from side to side are 

 noticed, and, finally, plunging forward dead. The diagnostic symp- 

 tom of flatulent colic is the distention of the bowels with gas, 

 detected by the bloated appearance and resonance on percussion. 



TreatTnent. — The treatment for wind colic differs very greatly 

 from that of cramp colic. Absorbents are of some service, and 

 charcoal may be given in any quantity. Relaxants and antispas- 

 modics are also beneficial in this form of colic. Chloral hydrate not 

 only possesses these qualities, but it also is an antiferment and a 

 pain reliever. It is, then, particularly well adapted to the treatment 

 of wind colic, and should be given in the same-sized doses and in 

 the manner directed for spasmodic eolic. Diluted alcohol or whisky 

 may be given, or aromatic spirits of ammonia in 1-ounce doses at 

 short intervals. - 



