396 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ocr., 1901. 
The Horse. 
DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE ALIMENTARY SYSTEM. 
By WILMOT C. QUINNELL, M.R.C.V.S. Lonp. 
DIARRHG@A AND SCOURING. 
Definition.—This is a term usually applied to all cases of simple purging— 
:a frequent discharge of feces in a loose and liquid state. It is met with asa 
functional disturbance of various nature, or as a sign in the course of general 
disease. 
Causes.—Some horses that are not well “ ribbed up,” and those of a nervous 
‘temperament, are particularly prone to diarrhea; they are accordingly difficult 
to maintain in condition, but will sometimes do very well if kept on good food 
and at slow work. 
Perhaps of all causes of diarrhoea, the most frequent in the adult animal is 
‘injurious and irregular dieting. If the food is suddenly changed, for instance, 
when a horse is first turned out to graze after indoor feeding, diarrhcea often 
‘starts. Again, copious draughts of cold water, when the animal is heated after 
exposure to the sun’s rays or exertion; feeding immediately after severe 
work; exposure to cold; an overdose of physic; and the shedding of the 
‘temporary molars may be mentioned as specially liable to induce diarrhea. * 
Diarrhcea, accompanied with gradual wasting, in a colt or filly is, as a rule, 
due to small red worms, and the dung should be carefully searched for these 
‘special parasites. Diarrhoea or scour in foals is, in some instances, traceable 
ito the fact that the mare is taken to work and allowed to get over-heated, 
with the result that the milk is altered in its constitution. Again, when the 
mother returns to her foal at night, and the latter, after doing a long fast during 
the day, drinks in excess, and therefore more than it can well digest. 
Symptoms.—The symptoms are purging, the feces being semi-fluid, and 
either clay-coloured and foetid or light-brown without offensive odour. If the 
condition continues long, the animal loses flesh, the appetite fails, and some- 
times dropsy of the belly may ensue. 
Tn the young, diarrhoea differs from that of the adult. Many foals suffer 
from diarrhea or scour during the first two or three weeks of life, and 
numbers die annually through it. The colour of the excretions varies; at 
first they are of a yellowish-white colour, and frequently they resemble the yolk 
of egg; and in more advanced stages, when there is also severe abdominal 
pain, the feces passed are acrid. Turther, the foal ceases to suck and loses 
flesh rapidly. 
Treatment.—A mild aperient (as linseed oil) will be found sometimes to 
act very well, more especially if the purging is produced by some irritant in 
the intestines. In most cases such laxative medicine and a change of dict are all 
that is necessary to effect a cure. If the bowels do not regain their normal 
condition after the action of the aperient has subsided, it will be found necessary 
to use very cautiously some mild restorative (as prepared chalk, combined with 
opium); and, if the animal is very weak, a moderate amount of alcoholic 
stimulant, as port wine or brandy, or repeated doses of nitric ether should be 
given. If this treatment is found to be unsuccessful, powerful astringents 
must be administered, such as catechu. Oil of turpentine and opium, beaten 
up with eges, has been found to be very useful in many cases. 
