(ESOPHAGITIS IN THE HORSE. 
701 
Exploration, by the rectum, of the bladder, the kidneys, the in- 
guinal rings, and the pelvic reflexions of the colon, presented no- 
thing unusual in their relations to each other, their position, or their 
plenitude ; nor did this examination indicate the presence of any 
foreign body. The belly was soft, and sunken. 
Diagnosis, uncertain. 
Treatment — Bleeding to the extent of 51bs. ; friction frequently 
repeated ; strong mucilaginous drinks sweetened with honey, and 
administered every two hours ; frequent injections ; the most re- 
stricted diet. 
A remark made by the pupil to whom the horse was entrusted 
during the night attracted my attention, but did not influence my 
diagnosis : “ Every time that, during the actual spasm, we endea- 
voured to administer a drink to the patient, the symptoms were 
immediately aggravated ; and, when the drink was administered 
during the remission, the spasms immediately supervened, and 
lasted some minutes beyond their usual duration.” This fact 
appeared to me very singular, and I could not explain it ; but, too 
late, and, when the post-mortem examination had shewn me the 
seat and nature of the affection, I could see how significant it 
was. 
22c?. — The symptoms are exasperated ; it is not so much that 
the colicky pains have increased in violence, but there is scarcely 
any intermission. The animal cannot, at any time, rest more 
than five minutes; but, generally speaking, he is up and down 
every instant, without being able to take a moment’s repose. Some- 
times, however, he places himself upon his back, and retains that 
position, with his fore limbs flexed, as long as a minute : then he lies 
on his side — sometimes on one side, and sometimes on the other — 
his neck stretched out, except that the head is occasionally ele- 
vated and depressed upon his neck, with an expression of counte- 
nance dreadful beyond my powers of description, and assuring us 
how dreadful were his sufferings. When these movements take 
place, he regards his flank with an anxious gaze, and then begins 
again to agitate his limbs, and to beat himself sadly. Notwith- 
standing all this, the pulse was neither quick nor full : the heavings 
of the flank were not more accelerated or violent than on the pre- 
ceding evening ; the mucous membranes were of the same colour, 
and the animal occasionally searched for something to eat. His 
thirst was particularly urgent, and he eagerly plunged his muzzle 
into the thin gruel which was presented to him ; but he had scarcely 
swallowed a few mouthfuls than he suddenly stopped and dashed 
himself down. The colicky pains appeared as certainly when he 
attempted to take his gruel as when his drenches were forced upon 
him. 
VOL. XII. 4 Y 
