474 
DR. BYRNE. 
is natural to expect that where there is the greatest accumulation 
of aliment, there should be the most frequent derangement of 
function, and so we find it, for in large practice the treatment of 
this form of indigestion becomes almost a daily occurrence. 
The large masses so frequently accumulated in this part of 
the bowels, in the heavier classes of horses particularly, becomes 
a frequent source of irritation, producing enteritis ; but far more 
frequently, that form of indigestion so well known to every ama¬ 
teur in veterinary science under the designation of flatulent 
colic. The causes of this form of indigestion are nearly the 
same as those which produce it in the stomach, and which I have 
enumerated before; but the most common are eating green food 
to excess, and if wet, the danger is greater. All kinds of new 
corn and hay have a great tendency to fermentation, or large 
masses of any indigestible matter, which has been imperfectly 
chymified from a defective state of the stomach. 
If the horse be attacked in the stable, he ceases to eat, and 
seems to feel a disgust for all species of food and drink; the 
head is lowered and occasionally thrown from side to side; if he 
is at work, he becomes suddenly heavy and idle, or perhaps works 
with more precipitation then usual; he stops, scrapes with his 
feet and makes some contortions, and strives to lie down ; consents 
to continue his journey only when excited by the voice of his 
driver and whip; he does not go far before he stops again, looks 
at his belly and groans, strikes at it with his hind feet, lowers the 
head and neck, and makes another effort to lie down in spite of 
whip and voice. 
His driver will find it necessary to get him into some stable 
with as little delay as possible, for very soon the disease becomes 
aggravated; the paroxysms of pain become more frequent and 
violent; the horse is out of breath and covered with sweat; he 
lies down and rolls from side to side; the pulse as yet not much 
disturbed, except during the paroxysms; the belly is swollen ; 
the nostrils are distended, and the whole frame seems to quiver 
with agitation ; later on he sustains himself with more difficulty, 
spreads his legs to support himself upright, and will often be 
found to lean against the stable or wall for support. He now 
