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causes as, for instance, rupture of the large intestine, it cannot be considerect. 
a distinguishing symptom. Vomition is, however, more complete in rupture 
of the stomach, and in dilatation of the opening of the gullet into it, than in 
rupture of the intestine, Rupture may be brought about by gradual 
distension of the walls of the stomach, and without much pain, until the 
contents escape into the body-cavity. Sometimes, however, rupture occurs. 
suddenly, owing to the violent struggles of the animal in its paroxysms of 
pain, during the course of disease of the stomach or gut. The animal 
becomes uneasy, with countenance dejected, and he looks anxiously round 
at his flanks. There is great weakness and rapid prostration of strength. 
The pulse is feeble and fluttering, the respirations are short and quick, and 
there are frequent attempts at vomiting. In some cases the animal remains 
quiet for a time after the rupture, while in other instances the pain is 
intense, and the animal becomes delirious. In some cases of rupture, 
collapse and death follow in a few hours; while in others, where the rent is 
not so extensive, life may be prolonged for a couple of days or more, 
Treatment is of no avail, and if the veterinarian decides the case to be one 
of rupture, he deems it best to have the animal put out of his agony. 
Our readers will perceive that cases of chronic indigestion, the treatment. 
of which we described above, may, if neglected, lead eventually to rupture 
of the coats of the stomach. We may conclude our observations on the 
diseases of the stomach by remarking that in the horse a staring coat, 
sluggishness at work, emaciation, with a tucked-up appearance of the belly, 
are among the most apparent signs of dyspepsia. The presence of 
undigested food in the feeces, and especially of un-crushed oats, and the 
occasional appearance of griping pains, all indicate that the digestive organs 
are at fault (Gamgee). 
COLIC. 
PAIN in the abdomen may arise from derangement of the functions of the 
intestinal tract, or it may be due to actual organic changes of varying extent 
and nature. To the former disorder the term “true colic” is applied, while, 
when depending on organic disease, this condition is sometimes spoken of as 
“false colic.” “True colic” is of two varieties, which may be associated 
together. The one termed “spasmodic colic,” is due to spasmodic 
contraction of the muscular wall of the gut; the other, termed “flatulent 
colic,” is owing to extensive gaseous accumulation in the intestine. It is 
said that the spasmodic form may terminate in intestinal inflammation. 
Colic is generally due to dietetic errors, such as overfeeding, irregularities in 
the diet, such as food of inferior quality or unsuitable kind, taking a large 
amount of food after a long fast, or it may arise from prolonged or severe 
exertion. These causes, are all potent agencies in the production of 
spasmodic intestinal contraction, as well as of flatulent distension, which 
may either be associated with the spasmodic variety or occur independently. 
