422 DISEASES OF DIGESTION. 



Impaction of the Stomach (Stomach Staggers). 



In this condition, the stomach becomes gorged with food which 

 it is unable to get rid of. The practice of feeding horses on large 

 quantities of boiled food predisposes these auimals to this com- 

 plaint, as well as to rupture of the stomach ; damp food is rapidly 

 swallowed without being properly mixed with saliva, and is, 

 consequently, more difficult of digestion than if it had been 

 thoroughly masticated, and is also more liable to ferment and 

 cause the evolution of gas. The resulting distension will tend to 

 strain the muscular wall of the stomach, and, if frequently repeated, 

 will render it thin and weak ; in which state, it will be incapable 

 of efficiently performing its office of churning up and finally 

 expelling the food. The functions of the gastric glands will also 

 become impaired. Long fasting and. overwork will assist in 

 weakening the powers of the stomach. Wheat and other unsuit- 

 able articles of food are apt to produce impaction. Gaseous dis- 

 tension of the stomach, which probably accompanies impaction in 

 the large majority of cases, is often bjrought on by watering thirsty 

 horses soon after they have been fed. They should, of course, be 

 watered previous to feeding. 



■ SYMPTOMS.— Colicky painS. Pawing with' the fore feet, 

 especially the near one. Belching. Attempts at vomiting. 

 Trembling. Partial sweats. Discharge of liquid matter from 

 the nose. Frequent pulse and quickened breathing. In some 

 cases, the chief symptoms "are those of semi-unconsciousness. The 

 animal leans his head against any convenient support; staggers, 

 if forced to walk; and breathes in a snoring manner. The pulse 

 is full and slow. This last condition is that which is popularly 

 called " stomach staggers." 



TREATMENT.— Treat as for colic. The horse should be well 

 bedded down, lest rupture of the stomach might take place when 

 rolling, during the paroxysms of pain. Bleed, if the animal is 

 more or less unconscious, and the pulse full and slow. 



Grass Staggers. 



This is caused by the eating of over-ripe grass, especially rye- 

 grass, at a time when, a peculiar and poisonous narcotic principle is 

 developed in it, as appears to happen in certain seasons. The 



