SO-CALLED COLICS OF THE HORSE 111 



the bands are twisted spirally toward the left in this con- 

 dition. Besides the result obtained from rectal examination 

 it will be noted that the general condition of the patient is 

 rapidly becoming serious which is usually indicated in one 

 • or two hours by the change in the pulse, peristalsis, tempera- 

 ture and conjunctiva. There is, further, profuse sweating, 

 great prostration, collapse, etc. 



Prognosis. — If the torsion is not soon removed death will 

 result in six to twelve hours. 



Displacement of the Small Bowel (Volvulus). — 

 Etiology. — Usually a primary impaction of a part of the 

 bowel behind the volvulus is the cause of change in position 

 The impaction may be either in the small or large bowel. 

 Volvulus of the jejunum is commonly produced by impaction 

 of the ileum (stenosis). As in the case of the large bowel 

 a violent antiperistaltic movement of the bowel lying in 

 front of the impaction favors torsion. 



Diagnosis. — Contrary to torsion of the large bowel vol- 

 vulus can rarely be determined per rectum. A diagnosis 

 is usually only possible by way of exclusion and is as such 

 a probable one. If on rectal exploration no change can be 

 found in the layers of the large intestine and the. condition 

 of the patient is rapidly growing bad, the probability of a 

 volvulus is great. In some cases the bloating of the small 

 intestine, which may be determined per rectum, point to 

 volvulus. 



.. Prognosis. — The prognosis is bad. Death usually results 

 in eight to twelve hours. 



Treatment. — Treatment, as a rule, is without avail. 

 Attempts to relieve the animal by a laparotomy have not 

 proven to be feasible. 



Embolic Colic. — Definition. — By the term embolic or 

 thrombo-embolic colic we understand intestinal pain from 

 a disorder of the intestines due to the presence of a worm 

 aneurysm in the anterior mesenteric artery. The cause of the 

 worm aneurysm is the larva of the Strongylus armatus, 

 the armed palisade-worm. The adult worm lives in the 

 large bowel and the eggs are discharged with the feces. In 

 the soil or stable floor the larvae are hatched and are taken 



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