LAMP AS. 431 



an enema of about a drachm of glycerine, which, however, has 

 only a local effect in clearing out the rectum. Glycerine undiluted 

 irritates the mucous membrane and even the skin by abstracting 

 water. Hence its laxative effect. Half a pint of it may be 

 given as an enema by means of a catheter. An enema of 1 gallon 

 of warm soap and water, J pint of castor oil and 1 pint of 

 glycerine has been recommended when the rectum is filled with 

 hard dung (rectal impaction). 



No harm can be done by keeping the horse for ten days or a 

 fortnight on nothing but water and molasses (say, 3-lbs. daily), 

 which are not only nutritious and very digestible, but also have 

 a laxative effect. Allowing him, on the contrary, an amount of 

 solid food which would be moderate at other times, might fatally 

 complicate matters during an attack of constipation. Many in- 

 stances are on record of horses living for over three weeks on 

 nothing but water. 



The characteristic symptom of paralysis of the bowel is the 

 absence of intestinal rumbling or murmurs, which may be heard in 

 the healthy horse, on applying the ear to the side of the belly. 

 Another of not infrequent occurrence, especially if the paralysis 

 be in the lower intestines, is a dilated, dry, and non-contractile 

 condition of the rectum, which feels, when the hand is introduced, 

 as a large cavity with passive walls. The condition of paralysis 

 may be overcome by giving a drachm of nux vomica twice a day, 

 as well as the linseed oil. 



Liampas. 



This is a swollen condition of the palate, which, when thus 

 affected, projects below the level of the upper front teeth. It is 

 usually met with, in young animals, as a consequence of the large 

 supply of blood present for the growth of the teeth. It may be 

 caused, in horses of any age, by cold, indigestion, etc. As lampas, 

 except when it occurs from teething, is merely a symptom, of 

 derangement of health, the part should not, as a rule, be interfered 

 with in any way; a couple of bran mashes, with ^ oz. of nitre in 

 each of them, or 4 oz. Epsom salts daily for a few days, being all 

 that is generally necessary. If, from congestion of the gums during 

 teething, the horse " quids " his food, and it is not convenient to 

 put him out of work for a few days, the palate may be lightly 

 scored with a lancet or penknife — care being taken not to wound 

 the artery which lies underneath — and then rubbed with common 

 salt. Bathing the part with a strong solution of alum and water 

 will generally be sufficient, without lancing it. 



