416 DISEASES OF DIGESTION. 



DISTINGUISHING SIGNS BETWEEN ENTERITIS AND 

 OTHER DISEASES.— Here, the history of the case will usually 

 be a valuable guide. The chief differences between true enteritis 

 and colic from indigestion are, that in colic, the pain comes on in 

 paroxysms, between which there are intervals of ease. During 

 these the pulse, breathing, skin and mucous membranes are almost, 

 if not quite, in a normal condition ; rubbing and pressing the belly 

 with the hand seem, to ease the pain; and the animal appears to 

 obtain temporary relief from rolling on the ground. In true 

 enteritis, the reverse of all this is the case ; the mucous membranes 

 are abnormally red ; the skin, in the later stages, is colder than 

 usual ; and during the paroxysms of pain, the pulse is frequent 

 and wiry ; not frequent and fuU, as in ordinary colic. The course 

 of true enteritis is far more severe, more rapid, and more fatal 

 than in that of the other disease. In acute pain from worms, the 

 presence of these intestinal residents in the dung will help the 

 diagnosis. The attitude of horses suffering from twists or folds 

 of the intestines should also be studied in this respect. Further 

 information on these points can be obtained by referring to the 

 symptoms of other diseases of the alimentary canal. 



TREATMENT. — In order to give rest to the inflamed part, allay 

 the pain, and enable the animal to tide over the attack, give him 

 ^ oz. of cannabis indica (Indian hemp) in a ball, or 1 oz. of chloral 

 hydrate in a pint of water, and repeat as may be required. If 

 flatulency be present, give 2 oz. of oil of turpentine in a pint of 

 linseed oil. The body may be fomented (p. 675) with warm water, 

 and an enema of the same fluid may be administered. 



During convalescence, care should be observed in giving food, 

 which may consist of small quantities of bran and linseed mashes, 

 with a few scalded carrots and a little grass after a time. Dry 

 food should be avoided. 



Rupture of the Stomach, Rupture of the 

 Intestines and Vomiting. 



Rupture of the stomach' is often a complication of flatulent dis- 

 tension of that organ. It is specially liable to take place when 

 the walls of the stomach are abnormally weak, and when the colic- 

 affected animal severely tests the strength of the distended organ 

 by throwing himself down on the ground in agony. The continued 

 feeding of horses on large quantities of bulky food (boiled turnips 

 for instance) tends to permanently enlarge the size of the stomach, 

 and to proportionately weaken its walls, as well as its digestive 



