562 
WILLIAM GALL. 
Simple Indigestion .—Symptoms : Animal falls off in condi¬ 
tion, tongue coated, breath slightly sour, hidebound, slight but 
frequent attacks of colic, bowels irregular, depressed appetite, 
licks the walls; pulse somewhat weak; liver probably in¬ 
volved ; this is indicated by yellowness of the visible mucous 
membranes. If due to over acidity of the stomach, lime water, 
sodium, and other alkalies. If the liver is implicated give 
aloes and calomel, follow up with such tonics as quinine, 
gentian, quassia, and iron ; if the animal is weak and debili¬ 
tated give ale, beer, wine, and whisky. Groom the horse well, 
and give regular exercise. In all cases of flatulent colic or any 
form of indigestion it is well to make a particular examination 
of the teeth. 
Acute Indigestion .—This is a very common as well as a very 
fatal disease. Often considerable distention is observed, which 
may be due to the presence of large quantities of food, or it may 
be caused by gas in the stomach and intestines, the gases 
formed being sulphuretted hydrogen, carburetted hydrogen, and 
carbonic acid gas. Rupture of the stomach occasionally occurs. 
In other cases the stomach and bowels become so distended that 
the movements of the diaphragm are interfered with, and the 
animal dies of asphyxia. The causes have already been men¬ 
tioned in the beginning of this essay. 
Sy mptoms of Acute Indigestion .—The animal becomes some¬ 
what dull and sluggish in his movements ; soon he shows a slight 
uneasiness, turns his head to one side and seems to be in slight 
pain. Swelling of the abdomen becomes apparent, the animal’s 
pain increases, he begins to toss about, rolls from side to side, 
and endeavors to balance on his back. When lying down he 
occasionally raises his head and looks toward his flank. As a 
rule the abdomen is greatly distended and there are eructations 
of gas. Regurgitations of food may also be noticed. In some 
cases sweats bedew the body ; there may be slight diarrhoea ; he 
rolls and tumbles about in a violent manner. The pulse at first 
is full, but gradually becomes weak and quick. In the early 
stages the mouth is hot, then becomes cold and clammy, the 
