DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 87 



the disease the bowels are alternately constipated and loose. On per- 

 cussing the abdominal walls we find that dullness exists to the same 

 height on both sides of the belly; by suddenly pushing or striking the 

 abdomen we can hear the rushing or flooding of water. If the case 

 is an advanced one, the horse is potbellied in the extreme, and 

 dropsical swellings are seen under the belly and upon the legs. 



Treatment is, as a rule, unsatisfactory. Saline cathartics, as Ep- 

 som or Glauber's salt, and diuretics, ounce doses of saltpeter, may be 

 given. If a veterinarian is at hand he will withdraw the accumula- 

 tion of water by tapping and then endeavor to prevent its recurrence 

 (though this is almost sure to follow) by giving three times a day 

 saltpeter 1 ounce and iodid of potash 1 dram, and by the applica- 

 tion of mustard or blisters over the abdominal walls. Tonics, min- 

 eral and vegetable, are also indicated. Probably the best tonic is one 

 consisting of powdered sulphate of iron, gentian, and ginger in equal 

 parts ; a heaping tablespoonf ul of the mixture is given as a drench or 

 mixed with the feed, twice a day. Good nutritious feeds and gentle 

 exercise complete the treatment. 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



In the United States the liver of the horse is but rarely the seat 

 of disease,, and when we consider how frequently the liver of man is 

 affected this can not but appear strange. The absence of the gall 

 bladder may account to a certain extent for his freedom from liver 

 diseases, as overdistention of this and the presence in it of calculi 

 (stones) in man is a frequent source. of trouble. In domestic animals, 

 as in man, hot climates tend to produce diseases of the liver, just as in 

 cold climates lung diseases prevail. Not only are diseases of the liver 

 rare in horses in temperate climates, but they are also very obscure, 

 and in many cases pass totally unobserved until after death. There 

 are some symptoms, however, which, when present, should make us 

 examine the liver as carefully as possible. These are jaundice 

 (yellowness of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes) 

 and the condition of the dung, it being light in color and- pasty in 

 appearance. 



HEPATITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 



This disease may be general or local, and may assume an acute or 

 chronic form. 



Symptoms.- — ^The symptoms of acute hepatitis are: Dullness; the 

 horse is suffering from some internal pain, but not of a severe type ; 

 constipated a.nd clay-colored dung balls; scanty and high-colored 

 urine; and general febrile symptoms. If lying down, he is mostly 



