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CASES OF INTESTINAL IRRITATION. 
By G. Armatage, V.S., Sheffield. 
From the great number of cases of intestinal irritation 
which now and for the whole of the past winter have existed 
in this district — in many instances proving fatal —and from 
the disease being peculiar in its origin, nature, and the treat- 
ment required, it has to me been a subject of interest; I am 
therefore induced to forward to you the principal facts, as 
they are recorded in my case-book. 
Scarcely a day passes in which cases do not occur of 
“ belly-ache,” as it is called. Sometimes I am summoned, in 
great haste, to horses said to be u mad ;” on other occasions 
they are brought to my stables, evidently suffering much pain, 
this being manifested by repeated leaps from the ground, kick- 
ing violently, rearing up, biting at the highest object within 
reach, and striking out with the fore feet. The racks and 
mangers are often destroyed during these paroxysms. Some- 
times the animals will fall violently upon the ground, groan- 
ing loudly, roll over upon their backs, and maintain that 
position for some few seconds, then rise, look round anxiously, 
and repeat the leaps. The eyes are wild in appearance, 
the pupils being much dilated ; the mucous membranes are 
rather heightened in colour, — mostly of a purple tint, — espe- 
cially the Schneiderian membrane ; the mouth is moist, and 
not often unnaturally hot ; the pulse is weak, and sometimes 
oppressed and compressible, numbering 29 beats, and often 
less in a heavy draught horse ; at other times it will mount up 
to 44, or 50, and even to 56, in lighter bred animals. These 
symptoms are generally found to come on after the “ supper,” 
when the animals have been out the whole day ; and it not 
unfrequently happens that before the meal is half completed 
the animal is attacked ; when he suddenly leaves off eating, 
and looks round quite frightened and astonished at some- 
thing which is invisible to the attendant. This perhaps 
subsides in a few seconds, and after a few mouthfuls more 
of food are swallowed, the pain becomes so great that it 
gives rise to those symptoms already named. I have seen 
many opened at the “ knackers’,” who informed me that they 
died before any aid could be obtained further than what the 
experience of the owner’s afforded. I also have seen others 
at other places, death having speedily terminated their career; 
