182 PRACTICE OP EQUINE MEDICINE. 



The mucous membrane of the mouth, etc., may show signs of 

 inflammation. 



Give the astiology. 



Irritants and corrosives, as arsenic, turpentine, salts of mer- 

 cury, mineral acids, copper, and the like, produce this condition. 



What are the symptoms? 



They are shown immediately after the ingestion of these sub- 

 stances. In the horse, colicky pains are present, the animal crouch- 

 ing down, pointing the nose to the region of the stomach. 



The pulse is rapid and strong at first, then becomes weak, the 

 respirations slow, the temperature high — 104.5° or 106° F. 



Thirst is prominent, the animal refuses food, diarrhoea is apt 

 to be present. 



If the case is fatal, signs of collapse are shown, and the animal 

 dies from exhaustion. 



How is the diagnosis made ? 



Depends on the history of the case, to a great extent. We 

 might find traces in the mouth of a stomatitis. 



What is the treatment ? 



If caused by poisons, coat the stomach with a bland mucila- 

 ginous substance, as a solution of gum arabic or flaxseed-tea. 



Treat the colicky pains by solid opium — two drachms of gum 

 opium, and don't be afraid to repeat this. Opium is a symptom 

 medicine, and in some cases can be kept up a long time without 

 producing poisoning. 



To lessen the pain, belladonna can be given with opium. If 

 the poison is known, give the antidote. 



ACUTE GASTKITIS. 



Give the synonyms. 



Gastric fever; acute dyspepsia; acute indigestion; acute 

 gastric catarrh; simple gastritis. 



Define acute gastritis. 



This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 

 stomach. 



