DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 187 



down, weak pulse, the temperature subnormal, the respirations 

 rapid, cold extremities, muscular tremblings, staggering gait, ab- 

 sence of the intestinal murmur. 



These symptoms may be present, and still there be no rupture. 

 The position of the animal is said to be diagnostic — the lying on 

 the sternum with the posterior parts elevated, or, on the other 

 hand, the sitting on the haunches; but these positions are not 

 pathognostic. 



Vomiting occurs when the rupture is near the cardiac opening. 



Give the diagnosis. 



We cannot always diagnose during life; we merely suspect. 

 Where vomiting exists, we are more positive. 



What is the prognosis ? 



Eupture of the stomach is fatal, unless it be partial; that is, 

 where there is an over-stretching of the cardiac opening. In these 

 cases the animal may live. It is well to give a guarded prognosis. 



Outline the treatment. 



Keep the animal quiet by the use of anodynes, as opium or 

 morphine hypodermically. Internal antiseptics, antacids, etc., are 

 usually beneficial. 



If pains subside, feed the animal in small quantities, and give 

 sloppy food. 



4. DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES. 



SPASMODIC COLIC. 



What are the synonyms? 



Intestinal pain; enteralgia; belly-ache. 



What is understood by the word " colic " ? 



The word colic should refer to the colon, but its use at present 

 covers the entire intestinal tract, and even the rest of the contents 

 of the abdominal cavity. 



Colic may be defined to be abdominal pain without any anatom- 

 ical changes, produced by a spasmodic contraction of the muscular 

 structure of the intestines, characterized by uneasiness, and tem- 

 porary suspension of defecation and urination. 



