DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGAI^S. 



By Ch. B. Michenee, V. S. 

 [Revised in 1903 ty Leonard Pearson, B. S., V. M. D.] 



It will not prove an easy task to write " a plain account of the 

 common diseases, with directions for preventive measures, hygienic 

 care, and the simpler forms of medical treatment," of the digestive 

 organs of the horse. This study includes a careful consideration of 

 the food and drink of our animals, their quality, quantity, analyses, 

 etc. This, of itself, is material for a book. Being limited as to 

 space, the endeavor must be made to give simply an outline — ^to state 

 the most important facts — leaving many gaps, and continually check- 

 ing the disposition to write anything like a full description as to 

 cause, prevention, and modes of treatment of disease. 



These articles are addressed entirely to farmers and stock owners, 

 and I must ask my professional brethren to bear this in mind when 

 they are disposed to complain of a want of scientific treatment of 

 the subjects. 



WATER. 



It is generally held, at least in practice, that any water that stock 

 can be induced to drink is sufficiently pure for their use. This prac- 

 tice occasions losses that would startle us if statistics were at hand. 

 Water that is impure from the presence of decomposing organic mat- 

 ter, such as is found in wells and ponds in close proximity to manure 

 heaps and cesspools, is frequently the cause of diarrhea, dysentery, 

 and many other diseases of stock, while water that is impregnated 

 with different poisons and contaminated with specific media of con- 

 tagion produces death in very many instances. 



Considering first the quantity of water required by the horse, it 

 may be stated that when our animals have access to water continually 

 they never drink to excess. Were the horse subjected to ship voyages 

 or any other circumstances where he must depend upon his attendant 

 for the supply of water, it may be roughly stated that each horse 

 requires a daily average of about 8 gallons of water. This will vary 

 somewhat upon the character of his food; if upon green food, less 

 water will be needed than when fed upon dry hay and grain. 



The time of giving water should be carefully studied. At rest, the 

 horse should receive water at least three times a day ; when at work, 

 more frequently. The rule should be to give in small quantities and 

 often. There is a popular fallacy that if a horse is warm he should 

 not be allowed to drink, many claiming that the first swallow of water 

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