410 DISEASES OF DIGESTION. 



small intestine ; and in Scotland to that of the large bowel, on 

 account of its becoming obstructed by the excess of woody fibre 

 contained in the grass of that country. Hence, as will be seen 

 further on, it is safer to give a purgative in cases of spasmodic 

 colic in England than in Scotland. 



As mistakes are liable to be made in deciding if the attack is 

 one of colic or inflammation of the intestines ; the person in charge 

 of the patient should carefully study the symptoms of both diseases 

 before deciding on a doubtful case, supposing that he cannot obtain 

 the help of a veterinary surgeon. 



Entire horses, when sufl'ering from colic, especially when they 

 show a tendency to lie on their backs, should be examined for 

 hernia. 



SYMPTOMS. — The first symptoms are usually : disinclination 

 to go on, if at work ; depression ; uneasiness ; pawing with a fore 

 foot ; arching the back ; looking round at the flank ; and making 

 attempts to lie down, which the patient does very carefully at 

 this stage. As the attack proceeds, the animal may cow-kick at 

 hjs belly, or seek relief from the pain which has seized him, by 

 rolling on the ground. During these times the pulse will be fre- 

 quent, breathing laboured, and the body more or less covered with 

 patches of perspiration. There are distinct intervals of freedom 

 from pain; the commencement of an intermission being, perhaps, 

 marked by the horse starting up on to his feet — after rolling and 

 struggling — and beginning to walk round his box, feed, or look 

 about, as if nothing had occurred. Another attack soon comes 

 on, with more or less violence ; and the pain gradually passes off, 

 or the aniraal throws himself about and dies from exhaustion, or 

 from some other complication. While pain lasts; the skin over the 

 abdomen is not sensitive as it is in inflammation of the stomach 

 and intestines ; and pressing and rubbing it seems to give relief. 

 During the intervals of rest, the condition of the breathing, pulse, 

 and skin is normal, or nearly so. During the periods of pain, the 

 pulse is frequent and full. The best distinguishing symptom is 

 that the pain is intermittent. Among unfavourable symptoms are 

 a cold and wet (from perspiration) condition of the surface of the 

 body ; high internal temperature ; frequent, small, and hard pulse 

 (showing development of inflammation ; see p. 414 et seq.) ; diffi- 

 culty of breathing ; and a haggard expression of the face. The 

 act of staling in a normal and easy manner is a very hopeful sign. 



TREATMENT. — Colic being due to the presence of some un- 

 digested irritating substance in the bowels, its rational treatment 

 is removal of the offending matter by purgatives and enemas. 



