222 
MR. LAQUERRIERE. 
considerations thus summarized may partially explain the appear¬ 
ance of nervous colics and intestinal congestions, while the occur¬ 
rence of indigestions, either simple or compound in character, 
may account for the displacements of the intestines, the produc¬ 
tion of invaginations, stercoral masses, volvulus, or lacerations and 
rupture of the bowels or the stomach. 
The predisposing influence of “breeds” or “ strains” is with¬ 
out importance, and will not repay discussion ; colics belong to all 
breeds. There are individual cases, however, of well marked and 
undeniable predispositions; these may be found in aged pr worn- 
out and overworked animals, in those whose digestive apparatus 
is in bad condition, and especially in cribbing horses. 
Climates seem to have no sensible effects upon the develop¬ 
ment of colics. They seem to appear as often in warm as in cold 
or temperate climates. 
Notwithstanding what has been said, however, seasons have 
a certain predisposing effect. Cases occur oftener in summer 
than in winter. This is not, however, the result of a direct pre¬ 
disposition, the fact being mainly due to the temperature of the 
liquids absorbed. 
Rest in the stable is always a predisposing cause. 
We do not believe, so far as army horses are concerned, in 
the influence of new hay or oats; on account of the manner in 
which these varieties of feed are distributed. 
As to the predisposition produced by a diseased condition of 
the great mesenteric artery (aneurism), upon which Zundel places 
so much weight, we attach but little importance to it. But, on 
the contrary, we recognize the predisposition accompanying ad_ 
vanced age. Young and lymphatic horses, as well as very nerv¬ 
ous young animals, are quite subject to colics. Aged animals are 
not any the less subjected to this trouble, either from the wearing 
and irregularity of their teeth or the imperfect performance of 
the function of some part of their digestive apparatus. Horses 
from eight to sixteen or eighteen years, in general good health, 
are less subject to colic, especially in the army. 
Foremost among the occasional causes must be placed cold. 
Cold water, drank while heated, in many instances, induces serious 
