196 SPASMODIC COLIC, FTC, 
mischief. The animal may be apparently well and feeding. Without 
visible cause the head is raised and the occupation ceases. Should the 
pain last, the hind foot is lifted to strike the belly, and the fore leg 
begins to scrape the pavement. The groom, who has merely left to pro- 
cure a pail of water from an adjacent pump, on his return discovers his 
charge exhibiting evident signs of uneasiness. As the man stares, won- 
dering what can be the matter, the horse is pawing and the nose slowly 
points to the flank. All then is explained. Fret is the matter, and it 
would be “fret,” should the disease prove to be of a very different 
nature. 
While the horse is being watched, every indication of, disturbance 
may disappear. The countenance tranquilizes and the nose is again 
inserted into the manger. A few minutes elapse and the pangs are 
renewed. The second fit may last longer and be slightly more severe. 
Then another, but a shorter period of ease follows: thus the visita- 
tions will ensue upon spaces of entire exemption from anguish. The 
recommencement of agony usually is denoted by a disposition to lie 
down. The animal crouches; next it turns round as though the inten- 
tion was to stretch out the limbs; but suddenly the erect attitude is 
assumed—the design, lately so nearly executed, having been forgotten. 
Then pawing and striking at the abdomen quickly follow; and while 
the horse looks toward the flank, a morbid fire is perceptible in the eye. 
THE SECOND STAGE OF SPASMODIC COLIC. 
No relief being afforded, the pains lengthen, while the intervals of 
tranquillity become shorter. The action grows more fierce and the aspect 
more wild. The pawing is more brief, but more energetic; often during 
its continuance the foot is raised and violently stamped upon the ground. 
The animal now does not attempt to feed, but stares for a minute at a 
time, with an inquiring gaze, toward the abdomen. At length, without 
