AND HIS DISEASES. 85 



In sandy districts, horses are sometimes observed to eat 

 sand in mouthfuls — usually arising from acidity of the sto- 

 mach — which produces very troublesome constipation. We 

 have seen ten or twelve pounds of pure sand passed in the 

 course of a day from one horse. 



Symptoms. — When the colon is iinpacted with fibrous 

 faeces, the animal is dull, stupid, and refuses food ; " the 

 bowels are inactive, and »the pulse is slower than natural. 

 There is .seldom any pain evinced, but the bowels remain un- 

 moved. Similar symptoms are presented when sand has 

 accumulated in the gut, and it is only to be distinguished 

 by the history of the case, or the passage of some of the 

 sand. In most cases of constipation, however, the symptoms 

 are more violent ; colicky pains set- in, with unsuccessful 

 efforts to void dung. The pulse, at first slow, soon increases 

 in frequency, and shows a decided tendency to run on to 

 inflammation of the bowels. When dust-balls are present, 

 it is slower in its course, resembles colic more, but is dis- 

 tinguished by the animal sitting on his haunches and strain- 

 ing. This may continue for days, and be at last relieved by 

 the ball shifting its position, and allowing the dung to 

 escape, but to return again before long. 



Intussusception resembles dust-balls, but is more violent 

 and more rapidly fatal. Mortification of the inverted gut 

 speedily cuts him off. 

 "X Treatment.— SimTple costiveness, unaccompanied by pain, 

 should be treated by abundance of gruel or thin bran-mash, 

 to soften down th e contents of the bowels, followed by .a full 

 dose of purgative medicine s, as six drachms of aloes with 

 one drachm of calomel, made into a baU, with copious in- 

 jection s of soapand water given every two hours, aind slow 

 walking exercise. If it proves obstinate, the belly may be 

 fomented or well rubbed with croton liniment.* ( 

 * See page 216. 



