302 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 



terized by the accumulation of fecal material in the large 

 intestine. 



Causes. — Constipation occurs most commonly in the late 

 winter after the animal has been feeding on a dry ration for a 

 long time. Other causes are irregular feeding or watering, con- 

 stitutional weaknesses, mechanical obstructions, and lack of 

 general exercise. Concentrated feed with little roughage, 

 especially when given in excess, interferes with digestion and 

 causes constipation. 



Symptoms. — Foals, in which this trouble is oftenest seen, 

 strain, pass considerable gas, and show recurring attacks of 

 colicky pains. In them, as in all animals, the appetite is im- 

 paired, and they appear sluggish. The absence of peristalsis 

 is a certain symptom of constipation. 



Treatment.— Regulate the food and drink to the needs of the 

 animal. Fasting for a time and then providing food of a non- 

 irritating, easily digested character is all that is necessary in 

 cases of simple constipation. Rectal injections of warm water, 

 in which a little soap has been dissolved, are very useful in mild 

 cases, and may be easily given by means of a large syringe or 

 a rubber tube attached to a funnel. A pint and a half of raw 

 linseed oil is a mild, gentle, and extremely valuable laxative 

 for a full grown horse. If much bloating is present, add 2 ounces 

 of turpentine to the oil. Drastic purgatives may cause a rup- 

 ture of the bowel so should be used in small doses if employed at 

 all. Immediate results from a physic given to relieve constipa- 

 tion should not be expected. 



IMPACTION 



Impaction is somewhat similar to constipation, but is more 

 serious. 



Causes. — It arises from feeding excessive amounts of foods 

 rich in cellulose and wood fibers; for example, such roughage 

 as straw, chaff, corn-stalks, and very coarse hay. Impaction 

 may be the result of torsion or twisting of a loop of the bowel. 



Symptoms. — All the symptoms exhibited in constipation are 

 present, but in more marked degree. In addition, there may be 

 observed dullness, acute abdominal pain, arid straining as if to 

 urinate. Masses of vegetable matter collect in large balls either 



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