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 tablespoonful 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 isa 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 and clay-colored dung balls; scanty and high-colored 
urine; and general febrile symptoms. If lying down, he is mostly 
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