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Ontario Department of Agriculture

ONTARIO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

BULLETIN 264

Common Diseases

of the

Digestive Organs of
Horses and Cattle

By

J. HUGO REED. V.S.
Professor of Veterinary Science

'I

TORONTO. ONTARIO, JULY. 19U

BULLETIN 264J [JULY, 191H

Onta '0 Department of Agriculture

ONTARIO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

Common Diseases of the Digestive
Organs of Horses and Cattle

J. HUGO REED, V.S.

It is probable tliat the owiut nf live stock wlio does not atteiuiit to treat any
but tlie more simple eases of disea-e will have better success than if he attemj)ts
home treatment for all, rej.'ardles8 of their nature. While each disease, to a certain
extent, presents typical symptoms, yet in the early stages of the disease, in many
cases, they simulate eacli other to su.'h an extent that it is not ]iossihK' for the
amateur, and often very ditlicult for the veterinarian, to decide the exact nature of
the trouble. Hence, there is ^reat danger of a mistake being made, wrong treat-
ment given, and this continued until the disease has reached that stajre in which the
most skillful treatment would be ineiTective. It does not pay for the farmer to
attempt to treat dangerous nv conijdicatcd cases.

In advising treatment for the difficult ailments to be discussed, we shall recom-
mend only such treatment as can be given by the amateur. We shall assume that
those who decide to treat their own stock know hov to administer medicines in the
usual manners.

In a large percentage of cases diseases of the digestive organs are the result
of errors in feeding.

The intestines of the horse are more sul)ject to disease than the stomach, while
the reverse is the case with the ox. The reason for this is that the stomach ;)f the
horse is a comparatively small and simple organ when compared to the volume and
length of the intestines. The food is arrested for only a short time in it. soon
passing on to the intestines, whore the chief part of the process of digestion takes
place. In the ox the large and complicated stomach not only digests, but pre))ares
the food for digestion, while the intestines have a much smaller capacity than those
of the horse.

THE HORSE

DAXGEH IX SUDDEN' CHANGES OF FEED.

In feeding horses wc shall assume that the food given is of good qualitv.
Musty or partially decayed food of any kind should, under no circumstances, be
given to a horse. Such food may. to a limited degree, be fed with reasonable
impunity to cattle, but it is very dangerous to feed even small quantities to the
horse.

In feeding horaes, all changes in the kind or nature of the food ihould be nude
gradually. Fur instance, a nudden change from hay to straw, or from Mtraw toliay,
from oata to other kindo of grain, or even from whole oats to rolled oats or vice
vena, from green food to dry food, or more especially from dry to green food, tends
to excite digettive trouble. In fact, any change in the kinds, quality or quantity of
food should b( gradual.

Acute digestive troubles seldom, if ever, occur from underfeeding, but very
frequently from overfeeding.

A very large percentage of horses, especially in country districts, are fed too
much bulky food. The average horse will eat too much hay if allowed accesi to it.
In digciissing th- proper manner of feeding horses we shall consider hay as
roughage and oats as the grain ration. Where substitutes for either are used, the
feeder should exercise reasonable consideratioa as to its nature.

It is not possible to lay down hard and fast rules as to the exact amount in
weight or bulk of either hay or grain that a horse of a certain weight should be
given. As all feeders have observed, horses have their individualities. Hence
some require a little more feed than others of apparently the same character and
general size.

One pound of hay for every lUO pounds of the animal's weight is supposed to
form the proper ration for twenty-four hours. Some horses require t. little more,
but the excess should, in all cases, be slight. Of this the animal should be given
about one-quarter in the morning, one-quarter at noon, and the remaining half in
the ""ening. The smaller meals are given in the morning and at noon, as the
horse will be taken out to work soon after eating, and if his stomach is overloaded,
it tends to cause digestive trouble. At any rate, if over fed, he does not perform
his labor with that comfort to himself and satisfaction to his driver that is desirable,
until he has been at work for an hoi " or two. The large meal is given in the
evening, a. he will have several hours of idleness in which to digest it.

TOO MUCH HAY INJURES HORSE.

In no case should he be given more food, inc! ''mg uoth hay and grain, than
he will consume in about one and one-half or at most ,wo hours. The too common
practice of keeping hay before horses at all times when they are standing in the
stable is as ><armful as it is wasteful. Whether a horse be performing hard work or
light work, or standing iale, the amount of roughage should be about the same.
He should have sufficient to satisfy his hunger, but not sufficient to cause engorge-
ment. Most horses are gluttons, and should be treated as such.

As regards feeding grain, the amount given should depend largely upon the
nature of the work he is expected to do. Even an idle horse should be given a little
gT&in. As with hay, we may say that under ordinary conditions one ptrand of oats
to every 100 pounds of the animal's weight makes a reasonable ration for a day —
we assume that the grain is of standard quality, viz., 34 pounds to the bushel.
The grain should be given in equal quantities at each meal. If by reason of the
horses having to perform more than ordinary labor we wish to feed more grain,
the best results will be obtained by feeding a fourth meal late in the evening. When
this is not expedient the extra amount may be divided among the three meals,
giving one-quarter of the total quantity in the morning and at noon and the re-
maining half at night.

s«#^.-„^

Opinions differ greatly m to the better form in which tu feed ott«. The
writer'8 experience, both in feeding hi* own horses and iu giving professional
attention to others, is, that under any conditions rolled or cru!*hed uats give tlie best
results. We have noticed this in our own stable, and noteil that in stables of horses
used either for light and fast work or for heavy and slow work, the stable that feeds
rolled oats has need of the veterinarian much less often than the one in which whole
oats are fe<l.

In addition to hay and oats a horse should be given a feed of bran at least once
or twice weekly. Many feeders, especially where whole oats are led, add to each
feed of oats a quantity of bran. This practice gives good results, but we have
always favored fee«lii!g bran by itseli, 'ither as an extra or as a substitute for oats,
according to conditions. During the months when no pasture is available, it is
good practice to give a horse a couple of larruts or a small mangel or turnip once
daily.

WATERINU HORSES.

Opinions differ greatly as to the proper method of watering horsc''. Some
claim that horses should be watered only before meals, and never when thty are
perspiring. The prevalent idea that if a horse be watered after a meal the water
will force the food out of the stomach before it has been |>ropcrly iicted upon by the
juices of the stomach, has practically no force.

As before stated, the stomach is comparatively imall; lieiuc after a meal it
is, or should b^ practically full. The opening of the gullet into the
upper portion of the stomach is somewhat constricted, and the oiH>ning at the
lower part (called the pylorus) into the small intestine, is quite constricted. The
contents of the stomach after a meal consist in small (tarticict of ^lolid matter mixt'd
with the juices of the organ. It is a mechanical fact that fluids introduced into
a receptacle containing particles of solid matter will net force thr solids out of n
small opening, but will percolate through the particles, t.nd when the interstices
become full, if the fluid does not escape, no more can enter. Hcncf, are we not
justified in assuming that when a horse with a full stomach drinks wctor it [kt-
coiates downwards and fills the intestines, then reaching the pylon > |i;i»-i«'s tlirousrli
it into the small intestine, and passing through that reache*- the fir~t di\ iiiion 'f the
large intestine called the caecum, a sack-like organ of coi iderahlo ' mi-ity.
it is stored and taken up by absorption as required? ' this thc(»r\ (je r.
can readily be seen that a horse mav be allowed to satisfy his thirst any tim
out forcing unprepared injecta out of the stomach.

Again, the idea tiat H is dangerous to allow a horse that is perspiring •
cold water is too firm'/ impressed upon the mind of the ordinary team-
course, there are cases in which it would be dangerous to allow a horso fr
to ccM water, such as a case where the animal had been subjected to long <
and very strenuous labor, either fast or slow, and had become excess! vpIj
The introduction into the system of large quantities of cold water might d»>\
such severe reactions as to cause serious trouble. In such cases a few mouth
should be allowed, the horse well rubbed, and in a few minutes a little more w
allowed. After the abnormal heat of the body has subsided he may safeK
allowed to quench his thirst. Conditions of this kind seldom occur. The fart tha
in hot weather a horse doing ordinary work will perspire freely is no reason why h»
should not be allowed to drink as much water as he wants.

here
t. it
rith-

-ink
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(iSl

The teaini«t4>r i* Jui>tilli-<l in .ujt|H»i.iii>{ that his Uorm'H M>iiiiHtion of thir»t i* »»
•cute M bii own. Thii i« frcqufntly impresied upon hi« mind by the de»irc the
hor»e ejthibitH in hii« ha.te to nai li water wlwn lie it thirity. \Vh»»n the teanmter
i« thir»ty he usually limU nieanit of allay iuj,' lii^ w-njation. When hi« hori*e i*
thiMty he " wantK a drink " ami. exiept under exceptional cireunutancen hiit desire
ghouKI be gratified »» soon »« iioxfible.

.Sonje horr'ef arc particularly pridi.<«|Mwod to colic and will suffer if given food
or water under certain conditiom*. Such aninialo should be treated accordingly.

MKD1CI.\E.S SHOULD BE OX HAND.

TIic owner or teamster who conniders treating' taM-s of illne.«x in his own -tink
should provide himself with the drugs he is likely to require. These should be
kept in as even a ti'mperaiure as possible, bottles should be kept well corked and
plainly labeled, powders and crystals kept carefully wrapped and plainly labeled
and all kept in some secure place, out of reach of careless people and children.

He should also provide himself with a graduate for measuring liquids and
seales for weighing solids. Where a graduate or other correct means of measuring
liquids is not iicpt some of the ordinary domestic utensils may l)e used with reason-
able accuracy. Common tumblers contain eight to ten fluid ounces; wine glasses
about two fluid ounces; table spoons half a fluid ounce; dessert spoons two fluid
drams, and teaspoons one fluid dram of sixty minims or drops.

In prescribing we shall iise the following flbl)-eviations: Ih. for pound, oz. fo:
ouncc, dr. for dram, gr. for grain, m. for rairlr.is or drops, qt. for quart, and pt.
for pint.

CHRONIC INDIGESTION.

This kind of indigestion withv)ut engorgement, is caused by improper food,
imperfectly masticated food due to the process of dentition, diseases or irregularity
of the teeth, vo.acious feeding, irregularity in feeding, debility or partial inactivity
of the digestive glands.

Symptoms. — A capricious appetite, and often a tendency to eat filth ; usually
increased thirst; the animal becomes hide bound, has a dry scruffy skin; irregu-
larity of the bowels; general unthriftiness, dulness and more or less mirked in-
ability to perform work. When caused by imperfectly masticated food, the cause
car 'isually be told by the appearance of the fteces. Colicky pains are sometimes
present an hour or so after feeding.

Tkea'-m-nt. — Ascertain and remove the cause if possible. In all cases ex-
amine tl." uth and teeth. If they require attention and the owner has neither
the necessary instrument nor the skill to correct the fault he should take the horse
to his veterinarian.

Where the fault is not in the mouth, and the animal be not too weak, give a
laxative of 6 to 8 drams of aloes and 1 dram ginger.

(We i..ay here state that in all cases where a laxative or purgative is to be
given, and prompt action is not necessary, it is wise to prepare the patient by feed-
ing bran oqly for 18 to 24 hours. In all cases after the administration, the animal
shoulu be given rest, and bran only to eat until purgation commences, which is

u*ualh •.'0 to 'H htiurjt or 1oiij{»t. Whrti the first ilone fail* ♦<> tct, a g«'ontl should
be given in atniut -iH liourf.)

Aftrr the iHivrvU have rexaimtl tlu'ir n4irnial con<liti..i. u.ix equal quantities of
powdered »ul|>hate of iron, ftentian, >,'iiij{er, mux vomica nntl bicarbonate of soda,
and (jivo a takleHfKMtnful three tinwK daily. (Jive food of ko.h1 quality in small
quantities ond nn digi-stum iMi|'nivi s ((railually incrcaiic the quantitv until the
desir I amount can k' fed.

In speaking of the different forms of digistive troubles in horses modern
veterinary writers (generally (qH-ak of them as (liferent fr- j' col' s. V/j shall
ciK-ak of them by their olil familiar namci<, as we think th... will !«■ . lore readily
understmHl by thon- wlio may study the information given in ihit .>dllcti',

ACUTE INDIGESTION.

This kind of indijfestMin, with engc- ::..«;nt, may arise from repletion with
solid Cood or from the evolution of g. ■ -rising from the fermentation of food.
It i* often very difficult to deterniine f i, • the trouble is confined to the stoniach
or whether the intestine also is involve I'his is not very important, as affections
of this nature are concoiiitant, and require the same treatment as far as treatment
by an amateur is romerned. When the trouble is confined to the stomach the
modern veterinarian can act directly by the use of the stomach pump.

Cai'ses. — The usual causes are : too much food ; food swallowed greedily with-
out proper masticttion ; feeding immediately after severe and long continued exer-
cise: i'vere exercise too soon after a hearty meal, especially if the hors*' has been
given something to which he is not accustomed: sudden changes of food: and
drinking excessive quantities of water too soon after a hearty meal. It is not
uncommon to see a well marked case for which no well marked cause can be given.

One of the most frequent causes is what may be called mistaken kindness on
the part of the owner. A horse that has been idle for some weeks and has been
given no grain is unexpectedly required to go a journey or do a day's work. In
order to fortify hi' for the u asual exertion he is given a full feed of grain, hitched
and driven or w ' d. The stomach is charged with grain to which it is not
accustomed, and t* ^orse performing physical work to which he ia not accustomed.
These two ccnditions in many cases cause "acute indigestion." When horses
under th; auditions noted are required for service care should be taken to feed very
lightly 0 jriain until after the service has been performed. Then, in order to
ompen-ijat*' 'or the extra labor, they should be fed a moderate allowance of grain
I'.tr a few days.

Tlorses whose digestive organs are cither congenitally or temporarily weak,
or wha«e organs have become weakened by disease, also those horses which are
weak, anaemic, poorly fed and emaciated animals, or very young or very old animals
and animals recovering from disease, etc., are especially predisposed to digestive
trouble.

Among the direct irritating causes are green food, food and drinks that are
hot, or that are frosted, unclean or partially decayed foods, mouldy hay or grain,
matters undergoing fermentation or decomposition, as decomposing roots, fruit,
grass, or germinating grain.

In ci>«e8 where no well marked cause can be given w .nust decide that there
is some temporary weakness of the digestive organs, which, while producing no
visible symptoms, render the horse in that condition in which indigestion is easily

prodttced. At the same time, an attack seldom occurs except in horses congenitally
predisposed, that cannot be traced to carelessness or ignorance in feeding or
nsage.

Sthftohs. — ^The symptoms of many diseases of the digestive organs simulate
each other so much that it is often difficult to say, in the early stages, just what
the disease is. Hence, the advisability, when convenient, of procuring expert
attention, as an attack of a serious nature may be mistaken for a 'simple ailment,
and if not energetically and skillfully treated early may reach that stage in which
treatment will be of no avail. There are many cases in which the symptoms are not
fypical.

The first symptoms usually are uneasiness, dulness, stamping of the feet,
lying down, probably rolling, rising again, looking toward the flank, lying down
again, etc. The pulse at first increases in force and frequency, but if relief be not
given in a few hours loses force while still increasing in frequency.

In many cases these symptoms are preceded by a semi-diarrhoea, the horse
voiding semi-liquid faeces frequently, but in small quantities.

There is usually more or lers well marked fulness (bloating) noticed, more
marked on the right side. In some cases, however, the formation of gases is con-
fined to the stomach, when little fulness of the abdomen is apparent. Eructation
of gas "is not uncommon, and in rare cases there is actual vomition of small
quantities of ingesta. Either of these symptoms indicates a very serious case.
When relief is not given the symptoms increase in intensity.

In some cases death occurs in one or two hours after the first symptoms are
noticed, while in others twenty-four to forty-eight hours, or even longer, may
elapse before either recovery or death takes place. In cases that do not yield to
treatment the violent symptoms are usualy succeeded by dullness and stupor. The
pulse becomes weak and very frequent, almost or quite imperceptible at the jaw.
The patient will either stand, or walk aimlessly aronm! the stall or paddock, breath-
ing shortly and frequently and often perspiring freely, the visible mucous mem-
branes highly injected, the eyesight evidently impaired. This indicates that in-
flammation of the stomach, and probably also of the bowels, has resulted and the
patient will probably remain standing, or wander around until he falls and expires.
In the meantime there is usually little or no passage of faeces, and the intestinal
murmur is absent or of a metallic sound.

Tbeatment. — Place in a large, comfortable box-stall or small paddock. Do not
force exercise nor prevent him from lying down. Give 2 to 3 oz. of oil of turpentine
(according to size of patient) mixed with a pint of raw linseed oil, as a drench. It
is good practice to apply to the abdomen cloths wrung out of hot water and give
injections of warm soapy water per rectum. If the pain be severe give 1 to 2 oz.
of chloral hydrate or 1 to 2 drs. of the solid extract of belladonna, or 1 to 2 oz. of
the tincture of belladonna in a pint of water as a drench. Do not give opium in
any form, as it checks the action of the bowels, which we want to encourage.
Watch him closely and if he becomes stall-cast relieve him. If relief be not
obtained in two hours repeat the dose, and it will be wise to get expert attention as
soon as possible. If this ' ,nnot be done continue treatment, repeating the doses
every two hours as required, but after the second dose of turpentine mix it with
new milk instead of oil. When bloating is excessive it is good practice to puncture
at the most prominent part between the point of the right hip and the last rib, but
for this purpose it is necessary to have an instrument called a trocar and canula.
It is good practice t(f administer a purgative of 6 to 9 drs. of aloes and 2 drs.
ginger, either moistened, rolled into cylindrical shape and wrapped in tissue paper

and administered as a ball, or mixed with a pint of cold water and given as a drench
after the acute symptoms have passed.

The patient should not be exercised until the bowels have regained their normal
condition after the administration of the purgative, and he should be very carefully
fed and lightly worked for a few days afterwards.

CONSTIPATION.

A partial or complete inaction of the bowels may be looked on more as a
symptom than as a disease of itself.

Causes.— An absence of laxative food, change from green to dry food, change
from hay to straw, a partial inaction of the glands of the intestines, a partial or
complete paralysis of the coats of the intestines. The bowels of some horses appear
to be naturally torpid.

Symptoms.— A dulness, impaired appetite, passage of small quantities of
hard, dry faeces, and in some cases slight colicky pains, an alteration in the nature
of the intestinal murmur and sometimes an absence of sound.

Tbeatment.— In many cases a change to more laxative food will correct the
fault. If colicky pains be present the administration of 1 to l^^ oz. each of the
tincture of belladonna and sweet spirits of nitre in a pint of cold water, as a drench,
will usually be effective. Opium in any form must be avoided as it tends to in-
crease constipation. As in mostly all cases there is partial or complete paralysis of
the muscular coats of the intestines, active purgatives must be avoided, as they
cannot act while the paralysis continues. The paralysis must be overcome by the
administration of li^ to 2 drs. powdered nux vomica three times daily and rectal
injections of warm soapy water. When the paralysis is overcome, which can be
told by the passage of faeces, even in small quantities, and a return of the normal
intestinal murmur, a laxative of 1 to li/^ pints of raw linseed oil should be given
and the animal fed on laxative, easily digested food.

Note.— :The intestitial murmur can be detected by holding the ear to the
animal's flank. In order that a person may be able to detect an abnormal sound,
or the absence of sound, he must, of course, be familiar with the normal sounds.
This familiarity can be gained only by listening to the sounds in the abdomen of a
healthy horse.

IMPACTION OF THE COLON.

Causes.— Horses over abundantly fed or fed upon food containing large
quantities of indigestible or woody fibre, as over-ripe hay of any kind, are liable
to suffer from an accumulation of such matter in any part of the large intestine,
especially in the large colon. This condition is not uncommon in horses whose
ration has been suddenly changed from hay to straw. It may be due to an un-
explained weakness of the digestive organs, or partial inactivity of their glands,
want of exercise, or any sudden change of food. It is not uncommon in horses that
do not thoroughly masticate their food, due .o too greedy feeding, irregularities of
the teeth, or diseased liver, or, in fact, to any inaction or partial inactive condition
of the glands of any portion of the digestive tract.

10

The same causes largely operate ui exciting the various diseases of the diges-
tive organs. It may not be considered out of place to repeat that when horses are
intelligently fed and exercised digestive diseases seldom occur. Care must be
taken that the quality of the food is good, that the quantity is in accordance with
the size of the animal and the amount of work performed, and any change of diet
is made gradually.

It may also be wise to remark that all horses over five years old, and often
those even younger, would be better if they had their teeth examined, and, if neces-
sary, dressed by a competent man once every year. This statement will probablv
be considered by some as extravagant, but it is a fact nevertheless, and the horse
owner who attends to this matter regularly is amply repaid for the outlay. His
horses can then masticate their food more thoroughly and without irritation to
tongue or cheeks, and consequently will thrive better, look better, and be less liable
to the class of diseases under discussion. Many will say, " My horses' teeth are all
right; the animals eat well and keep in good condition." This may be quite true,
but it does not follow that because a horse consumes his food without apparent
difficulty and without quidding, that his teeth are in first-class condition. If
examined, there will, in most cases, be seen or felt, sharp points on the inner margin
of the lower molars, and the outer margin of the upper ones. These projections,
while probably not materially interfering with mastication, cause more or less
irritation to the tongue and cheeks, make mastication more or less unpleasant and
warrant the expense of having the cause of irritation removed.

Symptoms.— The symptoms of impaction of the colon are not usually alarm-
ing. The conditions may be present for some time without any serious symptoms
being noticeable. It may be noticed that for a day or two the animal has not
voided his normal quantity of faeces, while that voided has been somewhat dry;
also that his appetite^ spirits and ambition have not been quite normal. He will
probably now begin to show more or 1( - well marked colicky pains, become restless,
lie down, get up again, etc., and show more or less general uneasiness, but seldom
shows violent symptoms. The pulse, in most cases, is slightly increased in force
and frequency, and, as the disease advances, it increases in frequency but decreases
in force. The mucous membranes are usually injected. A peculiarity of the
symptoms usually shown is a desire to sit upon his haunches, or when standing
to press his croup against some stationary object. He resists the introduction of
the hand, or injections into the rectum, and, if the ear be placed against the
abdomen, an absence of the normal intestinal murmur will be detected— there will
be either an absence of sound or sounds of a metallic nature. There will be little
or no faeces voided, and a fulness of the abdomen, better marked on the right side,
will be more or less evident. When relief is not afforded, the symptoms increase
in intensity, gases form and iiiori-ase the fulness of the abdomen, ithe pulse becomes
more frequent, but weaker— often almost, or quite, imperceptible at the jaw— and
the patient either walks aimlessly about or throws himself violently down, rolls
and struggles. Rupture of the intestine may now take place (especially in cases
where the symptoms are violent) which causes death in a few hours, or inflamma-
tion of the bowels lesults, which is equally as fatal, but not often so quickly.

Treatmfvt.— As there is always partial or complete paralysis of the coats of
the intestines, the administration of large doses of purgative medicines must be
avoided until the paralysis is overcome. It is good practice to administer a laxa-
tive, say, 6 drs. of aloes and 2 drs. ginger, or a pint of raw linseed oil to a horse of
ordinary size. Follow up with 2 drs. nux vomica every eight hours.

11

Combat paiii by giving li/o ozs. chloral hydrate, or 2 drs. solid extract of
belladonna, or 2 oz. each of tincture of belladonna and sweet spirits nitre in a pint
of water as a drench every two or three hours as the symptoms indicate. Do not
give opium in any fotm, as it increases the constipation.

Remove the contents of the rectum by hand and give injections of warm soapy
water per rectum every three or four hours. Some recommend the injection of a
solution of aloes into the rectum, about 1 oz. to a gallon of water, and when the
patient will retain the fluid for a considerable time it may give fair results.

If gases form and the patient becomes bloated, give i to 3 ozs. of the oil of
turpentine in a pint of raw linseed oil. This may be repeated every two hours,
but after the first dose it will be wise to mix the turpentine with new milk instead
of oil in order to avoid too much purgative medicine.

Note.— In recommending doses we always mention the proper doses for animals
of onlinary size. Very small or very large aniinaU should be given doses in accord-
ance with their size.

I

SPASMODIC COLIC.

Probably the most common form of indigestion in horses is that form com-
inonly known as " Spasmodic Colic." Some horses are particularly predisposed tu
it. It consists in a spasmodic contraction of a portion, or portions, of the muscular
coat of the intestines, usually of the small intestine. It is not uncommon for the
muscular fibres of the neck of the bladder to be involved.

Causes. — The disease is usually due to the nature of the food, or improper feed-
ing, sudden changes of diet, exhaustion from overwork, particularly if associated
with long fasting. A drink of cold water may cause it, especially if the horse be
exhausted by a long journey or several hours hard work. Some horses are particu-
larly predisposed, such as those in which there are concretions of diflferent kinds in
the intestines, abscesses in the mesentery, parasites in tlie intestines, iilocrs in the
stomach, canker or chronic thickening of the intestinal walls, also those with
congenital or acquired weakness of the digestive powers or disease of the digestive
glands.

While simple spasmodic colic is a comparatively unimportant disease, which
readily yields to treatment in most cases, fatal cases have occurred, the patient
dying from exhaustion, and a post mortem revealing no lesions or chronic disease of
the digestive tract, the only abnormal conditions being a rigid contraction of small
portions of the small intestine. Repeated attacks of colicky pains occurring in &
horse without apparent cause, indicate some structural change in the digestive
organs, in many cases the iresence of concretions or tumors in the intestine. If
such be present, and are movable, we are justified in assuming that they occasion-
ally, by change of position, occlude the canal, and thereby check the backw.rd
passage of faecal matter, check peristaltic movement, and cause pain. In such
cases the violent movements of the animal are liable to dislodge the obstruction,
reopen the canal and consequently relieve pain. In other cases the obstruction
does not become dislodged, the case does not yield to treatment, and after several
hours, inflammation of the bowels results and causes death. A post mortem
reveals the presence of a calculus or tumor.

A horse that is predisposed to colic from any cause will probably, sooner or
later, suffer from an attack that will cause death. Some horses suffer from colic
if allowed water shortly after a meal, others if given even a light change of food.

1%

others if fed certain foods, etc. When such is the case the attacks can usually be
prevented by exercising care not to subject the animal to the conditions that cause
the attacks.

Symptoms.— These usually appear suddenly and are very violent and alarm-
ing. The patient suddenly expresses pain by pawing, kicking at the abdomen,
throwing himself down violently, rolling and struggling, jumping suddenly to his
feet, probably repeating the«e actions, and, in other cases, shaking himself, then
becoming quiet and commencing to eat as though nothing were wrong. After a
variable interval of ease the pains recur, sometimes in an aggravated and sometimes
in a modified form. During the attacks the pulse is full and frequent, but during
the intervals of ease it is normal. The attacks may occur again and again, the
periods of pain and of ease being of various duration, until the patient is relieved
by treatment or spontaneous cure or the disease becomes complicated by inflam-
matory action, wSich complication usually terminates fatally. At the commence-
ment of the attack faeces are often voided frequently and in small quantities and
may be either soft or hard, while frequent voiding of small quantities of urine is
often noticed. In other cases frequent but ineffectual attempts to urinate are
noticed.

These symptoms indicate that the neck of the bladder is involved in the spasms,
and as a consequence urine cannot be voided. This leads the uninitiated to con-
clude that the horse is suffering from disease of the urinary organs. This idea
is very common. The owner or driver decides that there is an obstruction in the
urinary passage, and proceeds to remove it by giving a dose of sweet spirits of
nitre. This is usually followed by relief but it does not act as it is generally
supposed to. It will not remove obstructions, but it tends to relieve the spasm of
the neck of the bladder, hence allows escape of urine, after which the horse will
probably show no more pain. We often hear a man telling that his horse was very
sick from " stoppage of his water," that he gave him a dose of sweet nitre, after
which the animal urinated and then got all right. The fact is. the nitre relieved
the spasm of the neck of the bladder, the horse became "all right"— and then
urinated. If there be an occlusion of the urinary passage from other causes than
that mentioned, the treatment named would make matters worse, because the drug,
as well as being an anti-spasmodic, increases the activity of the kidneys, hut does
not remove obstruction ; hence it causes an increased flow of urine into the bladder,
but does not remove the obstniction that prevents its escape from the organ.

During the paroxysms of colic the pulse becomes altered, as stated, the respira-
tions are also accelerated, and in some cases perspiration is profuse. During the
intervals of ease these functions become normal. The symptoms, while usually
short, are generally more violent and alarming than those of more serious intestinal
diseases.

TuEATMEVT. — In many cases a spontaneous cure takes place without treatment
in from a few minutes to an hour or two, but it is wise to administer an anti-
spasmodic in all cases. The following is a favorite and effective colic drench:
11/2 fluid ozs. each of laudanum, tincture of belladonna, and swe?t spirits of nitr",
in a pint of cold water. This being the dose for an ordinary sized horse, young,
small, or ver\' large animals require less or more according to size. Instead of this
we may give 1 or 2 ozs. of chloral hydrate or 2 to .3 fluid drs. of chloroform in a
pint of water. The patient should bo placed in a roomy, comfortable hox-stall or
paddock, and carefully watched to prevent him from hurting himself or becoming
fast. It is good practice to give a rectal injection of soapy, warm water. If relief
be not apparent in an hour the dose should be repeated. If the first mentioned

13

drench be used the laudanum must be omitted, as it ten-i- to constipation. Aft.T
this the dose may be repeated every two hours as indicated by tlie -ymptoms. If
relief be not noticed in at most four hours we may suspect a more serious condition
than ordinary spasmodic colic, or that the disease has l)ecomc complicated. When
practicable, the services of a veterinarian should tlien l)e i)ro<ured. If iinifessioiial
assistance is not available, the owner should repeat the doses as noted. It b'.oatinjr
occurs, the patient should be treated as for flatulent colic, a discussion of which will
follow.

It is pood practice to administer a laxative of 5 to " drs. of aloes and 2 drs.
ginger or 1 to li-> pts. of raw linseed oil after the acute symptoms ha\i passed.

FLATULENT COLIC.

A disease commonly called " Flatulent Colic " is quite common in horses It
18 a form of indigestion, and in the early stages the symptoms strongly simulate
those in acute indigestion.

CaI'ses. — This condition is much more serious than spasmodic colic although
the causes are much the same, viz., changes of food or water, over-feeding (espec-
ially after a long fast or when overheated), food of poor quality, severe exercise too
soon after a hearty meal, a weakness, or partial inactivity, of the digestive glands,
etc., food that ferments readily, as green clover, turnip tops, etc., especially if wet
or frosted is a fertile cause. It sometimes occurs during the progress of other
diseases, indicating a very grave conditiftn. This, and in fact, mo-tly all in-
testinal diseases, occasionally appear without recognizable cause, due, no doubt, to a
non-active state of the digestive glands.

Symptoms. — The symptoms do not generally appear so suddenly, nor yet are
they so violent and alarming to the ordinary observer, as tliose of spasmodic colic.
The animal becomes dull, uneasy, stamps his feet, probably kicks at his abdomen,
looks around at his flanks, paws, lies down carefully, may roll, rise again and con-
tinue to show uneasiness. The pulse is increased in both force and frequency and
respiration is often more or less labored. The symptoms of pain are practically
constant, but vary in intensity. In a short time after ttn' first symptoms are
shown there will be noticed a more or less well-marked fulness of the abdomen
(bloating) more marked on the right side just in front of the point of the hip.
The visible mucous membranes become injected, the pulse continues to increase in
frequency, but usually gradually loses force, and the respiration will be labored in
proportion to the degree of distention of the abdomen with gas. The extremities
are usually cold, and there is often a twitching of the muscles. If relief he not
effected, the symptoms continue to increase in severity, bloating becomes excessive,
and death takes place from rupture of ^' e intestine, suffocation or absorption of
gases into the circulation.

Treatmext. — Place in a roomy he all or a paddock. Agents which com-
bine with, or neutralize, the gases are indicated. For this purpose there is prob-
ably nothing that can be safely given by the stomach that acts as well as oil of
turpentine (commonly called spirits of turpentine) and raw linseed oil, 1 to 3
fluid ozs. of the former in one-half to one pint of the latter (according to the size
of the patient). If necessary, the dose may be repeated in an hour, but if given
the third time new milk should be substituted for the oil. When this medicine is
not quickly obtainable 2 to 3 ozs. of bi-carbonate of soda (baking soda) dissolved

in watir .\umh\h, given. The patient should be well bedded nnd kept a. cm-
lorta . e as possible. A couple of gallons of warm soapy water should be injected
into the ieetuni occasionally. If the pain be severe it should be combatte.l by the
adnun.stratu.n of 1 to 2 ozs. of ehloral hydrate dissolve.l iu a little water, or IV,
tiuul ozs. each ot tincture of belladonna and sweet spirits of nitre in a pint of cold
water as a drench. This ano.iyne may bo repeated about every two hours as nt^.led
I bloating becomes e.xc, -sive care should be taken to prevent the patient from
throwing himself down violently, as there is danger of this causing rupture of the
distended i.m^stine. If the bloating Incomes so marked that tli^re L iinniin.nt
.langer of suffocation or rupture, the patient should h. punctured on the ri-ht side
at the most prominent part between the point of th, hip and the last ril. to allow
the immediate escape of gas. This operation, if si ilfullv performed with n trocar
and canula (an instrument especially designed for the purpose), has proved
successful in most cases, but the use of knives and other crude instruments has not
usually been followed by satisfactory res".]ts.

In a case of this nature when the administration of the drugs mentioned does
not give relief in at most two hours, it is better, where p^.sible. to secure the
services of a veterinarian, but where this cannot be done the attendant can only
follow the above treatment to the best of his ability.

INTUSSUSCEPTION.

Intussusception is a name given to" a form ..f indigestion which i« caused by
a portion of the intestine (either small or large) slipping into the portion im-
mediately behind it, like the drawing of a finger of a glove into itself. As a result
of this, the normal course of the intestine is interrupted. In consequence nothing
can pass through, the action in the bowel is checked and the circulation of the blood
through the bowel involved is also checked. While this is practically an incurable
condition, it may be wise +o draw attention to its occurrence and symptoms. Ke-
coyerj- of cases where this condition has been suspected has occurred, the im-
prisoned portion (if the condition really existed) having been released durin<r
the struggles of the animal, while other cases have recovered by a rapid sloughing
of the imprisoned portion, and union taking place between the several ends, the
sloughed portion passing off with the faeces.

Treatment, other than an operation, has no action in rectifying the trouble,
and the veterinarian does not operate in such cases, as it is practically impossible
to make a correct diagnosis or to exactly locate the lesion, and, though such were
possible he cannot provide surrour 'lings where antiseptic measures can be observed
to a sufficient degree to afford pronable favorable results.

Symptoms cannot be said to be diagnostic, but are a combination of those
observed in other diseases of the digestive organs, particularly resembling those of
obstinate constipation. There is a cessation of intestinal murmur, restlessness,
pain shown by pawing, wandering about, lying down, endeavoring to lie on the'
back, sweating, crouching, sitting upon the haunches, pressing the rump against
any solid object when standing, anxious expression. The pulse is at first full and
frequent, but as the disease advances it decreases in force but increases in frequency,
in many cases becoming intermittent and afterwards imperceptible at the jaw,'
There will be little or no passage of faeces. The mucous membranes become in-
jected and red, respirations are frequent, and apparently labored. The abdomen,

I

13

at first of normal appearance, uccomcs fuUir. and in some cases distcmkd with jras.
The mouth may be moist and clean, or dry and hot, with an offensive odo.. The
restlessness continues, the extremities are ■-■-" 'H- cold. He may rear on his liind
lejis. After a variable time pain usually ceas. , and he will stand quittly. usually
covered with a (old sweat, pul.-c imperceptible at the jaw, breathing frequent, and
usually sifrliiiifr. To the uninitiated these symptom> indicate an improvement,
but fhey really indicate that the inflammatioM has tcrminat^'d in mortilicntion and
the api)roaeh of dissolution. In some cases there is retching and attempts to
vomit. lie will usually stand thus until he begins to stagger, anri at la-t falls and
flies with a few convulsive struggles. In other ca>es the symptoms of pain endure
until the last.

VOLVULUS OR TWISTKI) BOWEL

Volvulus or twisted bowel consists of a rolling on itself of a portion of in-
testine (either large or small) until nothing can pass through. A knot practically
exists. The symptoms and results are identical with intussusception. The
existence of either condition can be suspected only, and treatment should be directed
to relieve pain by administering 1 or 2 ozs. of chloral hydrate either in bolus or
solution every two or three hours. If gases form give 2 to 3 ozs. oil of turpentine
in a pint of raw linseed oil. Keep comfortable, apply to the abdomen cloths
wrung out of hot water, and give rectal injecticms of warm, soapy water. If the
pain becomes relieved give a laxative of 5 to 8 drs. of aloes and 2 drs. ginger, and
follow up with 1 to 3 drs. of nux vomica three times daily. Of course, if either of
the above-mentioned conditions exist, treatment will be of no avail, and death will
take place unless a spontaneous righting of the involved bowel takes place; but if
it be a case of constipation without displacement of intestine a recovery will prob-
ably take place.

Intestix.\l Covcketioxs of different kinds occasionally form in the stomach
or intestines, probably more frequently in the large intestine than in other parts.
Some are composed of phosphates — called pliosphatic calculi ; these are hard, smooth
and polished, having a nucleus, generally a piece of iron or stone, others are com-
posed of beards of grain, hair or other indigestible matter, often mixed with
phosphatic salts.

Symptoms. — No reliable diagnostic symptoms are present. Their presence
can be suspected only by repeated attacks of colic without appreciable cause. .\s a
calculus is usually movable it is probable that it gets into a position that obstructs
the passage, hence causes colicky rains. T'..e violent actions of the patient, doubt-
less, in many cases change the • ition of the obstruction, open the passage and
relieve the sj'mptoms. At last time comes when, by reason of inflammatory
action and swelling, the concretion retains its position and causes death, preceded
by symptoms resembling those of the conditions just discussed. In some cases the
calculus is situated in the rectum and can be reached by the hand and removed.
This teaches the advisability of exploring the rectum in all such case.? of a doubtful
nature.

Treatment. — The treatment indicated is that for colic, viz., the administra-
tion of anodynes, as 1 to 2 ozs. chloral hydrate, or 1 to 2 drs. of the solid extract
of belladonna or 1 to 2 ozs. each of laudanum, tincture of belladonna, and sweet
spirits of nitre, in a pint of cold water as a drench. This dose may be repeated
every two or three hours as indicated, but when more than one dose is required it

: I

16

is wise to omit the laudanum, as it tends to constipate. If a calculus Iw present,
treatment will be of no avail, but as we cannot be certain of its presence we are
justified in treating for colic. Horses that are subject to repeated attacks of this
nature, whether the cause be calculi or a weakness of the digestive organs, are very
undesirable. When the cause is purely digestive weakness the attacks can often be
prevented by regularly giving the animal a good stomachic, as a dessert sjH)onful of
ginger and a teaspoonful of gentian in an evening feed of damp grain. This
usually tones the digestive glands, thereby aiding digestion and preventing the
attacks.

EXTERITIS.

Enteritis, or inflammation of the bowels, is one of the most rapidly fatal in-
flammatory diseases to which the horse is liable, often causing death in a few ho-irs.
Many of the diseases of the digestive organs, some of which have already been
discussed, result in enteritis, but we will now discuss it as a primary affection.
Any portion of either the large or small intestine is liable to be the seat of the
trouble, and in some cases the greater part of each is involved. The inner or
mrcous coat is usually first attacked, but the inflammation extends and involves
the middle or muscular coat, and also the outer coat, and there is often an extra-
vasation of blood into the canal due to rupture of the small blood vessels.

Causef.— The principal causes are fatigue, exposure to cold, standing in a
cold draft, or drinking large quantities of cold water when overheated, but, like
other intestinal di-^eases, it frequently occurs without well-marked cause.

Symptoms. — The first well-marked symptoms are usually those of abdom nal
pain, evidenced by uneasiness, stamping of the feet, whisking of the tail, looking
around towards the flank, a desire to lie down, etc. These symptoms are, however,
usually preceded by some degree of constitutional disturbance (which may pass
unnoticed) as shivering, acceleration of the pulse and respirations, repeated evacu-
ation of small quantities of semi-liquid faeces, and general depression. The
mucous membranes soon become deeply congested, the mouth dry and hot. the
tongue contracted, and sometimes of a brownish color; the appetite is, of course,
lost; the pulse is hard, strong, wiry, and frequent; the abdomen is tender upon
pressure; the abdominal muscles more or less contracted. In some cases slight
bloating is noticed. In a variable time the symptoms of dulness and depression
give way to those of pain and excitement: the horse stamps with his feet, strikes
at his abdomen, lies down — but usually does so very carefully, often making several
attempts or feints, and then goes down with great care, and will probably endeavor
to lie on his l)ack — looks toward bis flank, ])ants, blows, and ]x>rspircs freelv.
There are no sharp paroxysms of pain with periods of ease as in many cases of
colic. The pain is constant, distressing and agonizing, but to some extent varies
in intensity. The body is usually covered with perspiration. In some cases he
will stand for hours with his head in a corner and paw persistently with one or
both feet. In other cases he will walk around in the stall or paddock in a circle,
apparently almost blind, knocking his head against the wall or fence. The pul.«
is at first hard, full and frequent, varying from 80 to 120 per minute, but generally
decreases in strength and fulness and becomes thready and almost or quite im-
perceptible at the jaw. He sighs or groans from pain, and perspiration drops from
the body. The skin is seldom dry, at one time hot and another cold ; the counten-
ance becomes haggard, the eyes expressive of delirium with the pupils dilated.

17

He may now throw hinixelf about in a dangerous manner, but Uiiually stands aa
stated or moves aindessly alM)Ut. then t^tand and balanee himself as long as possible,
when he will fail and expire with a few convulsive struggles.

In other eases the symptoms of pain subside and he will stand quietly, even
drink a little water or endeavor to eat, and his breathing becomes more or less
tranquil. This often leads the owner to think that recovery is taking place, but
the symptoms indicate that r:<<rtification is commencing; the haggard expression
remains, the pulse continues i q^'rceptible at the jaw, cold sweat bedews Mie wnly,
the abdomen usually k'comes bloated, he trembles, ears and legs become cold,
mouth and breath cold and often foul smelling; the lips drop jK'udulous, the eyes
become glassy, and in a variable jwriod he drops and ilies. The bo'vels usually
remain inactive to the last. If, however, in three or four hours from the com-
mencement of the attack there is some abatement of the symptoms; if the surface
of the body becomes dry, if there be passage of fwccs or gas, the pulse becoming
softer and less frequent, and the characteristic anxiety of expression disappears, a
favorable termination may be looked for.

TnE.\TMENT. — As the nmcous tract of the bowels is the primary seat of
trouble, treatment must he directed with a view to checking the action of the
bowels until the inflammatory action has ceased, and although there is usually an
inactive condition of the bojvels purgative or laxatives must, on no account, be
given. Treatment must tend to relieve pain and chock the movement of the
intestines. For these purposes opium must be administered in large doses. In
the early stages, when the pulse is full and strong, if depression be not well marked
it is good practice lo give 12 to 15 drops of Fleming's tincture of aconite in a little
cold water, or extract 3 to f quarts of blood from the jugular vein. From 2 to 3
drs. of powdered opium should he given in a pint of cold water as a drench, and
rather smaller doses every two hours until the symptoms are relieved. Cloths
wrung out of hot water should be api)lied to the abdomen continuously for a few
hours, and care be taken to clothe the patient well afterwards to prevent too great
reaction. If, after abatement of the symptoms, the bowels remain torpid (as they
generally do) the removal of this torj idity must not be attempted by the adminis-
tration of drastic purgatives. Very small doses of raw linseed oil, say 4 to 6 ozs.
with 2 drs. nux vomica, may be given about every eight hours, and the contents
of the rectum removed by injections of warm soapy water occasionally. When the
appetite returns the most easily digested food, as bran and boiled linseed, should be
given, and the eating of dry food prevented until the bowels commence to act ; and
then solid foods should be given in only very small quantities for a few davs.

DIARRna:A.

Diarrhoea is the term applied to all cases of simple purging if the fjpces arc
loose, liquid or semi-liquid, and frequently voided, without co-pxisting inflamma-
tion. Diarrhoea is sometimes a spontaneous effort to discharge from the intestines
something which is irritant or obnoxious to them, or to the system generally. It
is also induced by a variety of causes, such as indigestible food, food imperfectly
masticated, sudden changes in diet, particularly from a dry to a moist one
medicinal agents, parasites in stomach or intestines, derangement of the liver
drinking large quantities of water when overheated, etc. Probably the most
frequent cause is the consumption of stagnant or impure water.

18

Some horses are particularly prcdi8po«<Hl to attackn of diarrlura from trivial
caiueii. Short-ribbed, flat-gided, narrow-loiiii'd horsea, and tho!«c of very nervoui
temperament are apt to purge without apparent cause. They ar-- 'Himmouly calli'd
" washy " horses. They will start u|)on a journey in apparently tiie best of health,
but after being driven a variable distance will commence to purge moro or less
freely, passing liquid or semi-liquid faices (often accompanied by flatus) in small
quantities and frequently. In some cases feeding exclusively on dry food will
prevent the trouble, but in others it will not. Such horses are hur<l to keep in
condition, require the best of food and very careful feeding, and an* unpleasant to
drive. If used for slow work they usually give fair satisfaction. .Some horc*s
become '■ washy " as the result of swallowing imperfe<'tly masticated feed, duo to
faulty teeth. Such can be successfully treated by having their teeth attended to.
Others may be "washy" only when fed some particular food or watered under
certain conditions, and of course these, after the cause has been ascertained, can
be successfully treated by removing or avoiding the cause.

Acute Diarrhea is that condition in which an animal not " Tashy '' from
predisposition or acquired conditions, purges freely without suffering acute pain.
The faeces are voided freely in liquid or semi-liquid form, often of a dirty brown
color, and usually without offensive odor. In other cases the excretions are foul
smelling and often of a dirty clay color. In some cases a spontaneous cure results
in a few houis, indicating that the trouble was caused by some irritant in the
intestine, which was expelled with the excreta, and a rapid recovery took place. In
other cases the trouble continues, the animal loses appetite, but thirst is usually
excessive, he drinks large quantities of water, regardless of its quality, .le fail's
rapidly in strength, and, if the trouble be not checked he will become unable to
stand, and death will soon take place.

Treatment. — If possible, ascertain and remove the cause. If this can i)e
done in the early stages it is often all that is required. If it be suspicted that
the disease is due to some irritant in the intestines, and the patient is not showing
weakness and loss of appetite, a laxative of 1 to li/o pts. of raw linseed oil should
be given. This, of course, temporarily increases purgation, and is givm. with the
hope that this increase will cause the removal from the intestine of the irritant
that is responsible for the trouble. In fact it is good practice in all cases of acute
diarrhoea in which the patient still retains a reasonable appetite and roasonalik-
strength to give a laxative.

After giving the laxative nothing should be given to check the diarrhoea for
at least twenty-four hours, as it requires that length of time for the laxative to
establish and complete its action. If astringents be given earlier they will
counteract the laxation, and there will l)e practically a negative result from einh.
hence no good will result. If after this Ic.gth of time the diarrhoea still con-
tinues, means should be taken to check it. Also, if the patient has lost appetite
and is becoming dull and weak, even in the early stages, he is not in condition
to withstand the still further weakening effects of a laxative, and prompt moans of
checking the diarrhoea should be taken, even though we suspect the presence of
some movable irritant in the intestines.

While, upon general principles, we say that "diarrhoea should not be too
quickly checked." experience teaches us that in cases of acute diarrhoe;'., presenting
the sjrmptoms noted, prompt measures to check it are necessary. For n horse of
ordinary size we recommend 2 ozs. of tincture of opium, and Vo oz. each of
powdered catechu and prepared chalk in a pint of cold water, given as a di nch
every four hours until diarrhoea ceases, "he dose for small or larger animals

>.liouM. ..f tourw. k' iu proportion to >.m: If appetit.' n-main .Irv food, .1, oat*
aii.i Imv, -houK' bt- givt-n. If uppctito Im^ l(>,t uiul wt-akness wvll markod the
patiiiit slioul.l k' un-nelifd every few hours with raw c)i)t* and i;- l»t. whi-key or
S 028, «weet -spirits of nitre, or with oatmeal gruel to which luis'lM-en ml.lfd the
I'timulant. If Uie excretions have an offensive od.>r the admiaistration of Yi o».
hyposulphite of soda every few hours usually gives good results.

As already state<l, the patient is usually very thirsty, and, if allowe 1 will
drink ."Xcessive quantities of water. It is not wise to allow lar>:.' quantities of
water to 1m- taken at onee. hut the patient's thir-t -liould Im- satislir.l l,v allowing
small quantities— say a gall<.n at a time, and given everv half hour or even often.T
if necessary. To the water add one-quarter of its bulk of lime-water, that is. four
parts water and one part lime-water. This, in most cases, gives gootl results.

We are often impressed with the idea that the lime-water give^ more marked
results than the drugs. Lini. water is made l.y -la.kin!.' a lump of lime, then
adding .onsideral.lc water, stiriing well, then allowing t.. settle. The undissolved
lime precipitates and the clear liquid on top is lime-water. It cannot tw made too
•strong, as the water will dissolve and hold in solution only a certain quantity of
lime and the remainder precipitat.s. In other words lime-water is a saturated
solution of lime in water, that is. the water contains all the lime that it will hold in
solution.

SUPERPURGATION.

Superpurgation, or over excitement of the intestines from undue action of
purgative nedicine, is a condition of the bowels frequently -.-en. The suscepti-
bility of horses to the action of purgatives and other niedi, ines varv greatly. While
in a majority of cases thi- is governed to a great degree l.v size and hreeiling (hot
blooded horses being more susceptible than tho>e of cold blood, hence n-quire
smaller doses in proportion to age. weight, etc.). we lin.l that horses of like breed-
ing exhibit various degrees of susceptibility. It i- not possible to tell with cer-
tainty by the general appearance of a horse just how large a .lose of aloes or other
purgative medicine it will require to give the desired action, whicli usually is
moderate purgation. In some cases where an ordinary dose has been given, one
that is in proportion to the size and breeding of the animal, pra.tieallv no'"i)ur.'ative
action is produced, while in another case of apparently the same nature, in a "horse
of apparently similar characteristics, severe purgation mav he the result. Hence
we can readily understand that the most observant and skilful mav '<■ - disappointe<l
in the operation of a purgative. Some horses, without showing anv indications,
are particularly susceptible, while others are the reverse. Then again! the suscejjti-
hilitv of a horse varit-s at different times, owing larselv to the general condition
of the digestive tract, which may not in any way be indicated bv his general
appearance. At the same time in cases where reasonable care and intelligence is
exercised in regard to the size of tht dose atxl after treatment it is seldom that
serious results occur. It is possible that untoward results mav occur in any case
The reMdt> of a purgative deiwid. not only upon the size of the dose an'd con-
dition of the animal, but largely upon the quality of the drags and upon the treat-
ment of the animal both before and after administration.

When the necessities of the case permit, the patient should be prepared by not
allowing anything but a little bran to eat for twelve to eighteen hours before
administration. Afterward no solids but bran should be aIlov»-ed. AVater should

1 t

fO

bo piwu ofUMi ami in xniall quuntitii"* (if the wcutht-r Im< ooltl the thill ."liouM Ih>
roniovfil fmrn the water) until pur^^ation coniiiit'nit'*, Afti-r tlii* noliil fiwxl
(houlii be jriven in khihII quantitifx. (ientli' excrciw the tiri*t ffw hmirn after
8<lmini»trati()n hantcnx tlu> action of the piirpitive, but on no account «liouIi| the
horse l»e exercist'tl or worked i^evereK, nor chouM he Ik- ;:i\en any exercise (liiriiij;
the aition of the do«e. It in customary, and tioml praetiie to allow |HTfeit n'*t
after the administration of the dose until the action has ceased and the lM)weU
boi'omo normal.

While there are. in most cases, more or loss nauscation niul distress, canscd
just prior to, and during the visible action of the dniRs, .these are often so ^!i>rllt
as to esea|K' observation. But irrational treatment such as allowing solid food,
copious drinks of water, fati;rnin>r exercis<\ <'tc., increasr the irritatiim and di-tn-s.
It is pood |iractiee to administer a little ginger with the purgative, e-pei ially with
aloes, an this tends to prevent griping.

The usual sympt;)ms asscniated with the actions of a purgative are slightly
hurried breathing and impaired aj)petite (not always noticed), wlicn purging is
about to commence, and the patient usually Incomes more or loss nauseattd and
suffers from slight griping pains. If the purging, however, does not prmecd to an
undue extent, these .symptoms so<'n subside, and the nausea is succeeded by a
desire for fcxnl. Should the patient Ir' constitutionally weak, or be driven or
ridden for a considerable distance, or worked while the purging continues or too
soon after purgation ceases, or if the dose was too powerful in tlie first place, or if
two or more of these circumstances operate, the purging will probaldy iiecome
exoessive and long continued, and the life of the animal will thereby be en-
dangered. While under ordinary condition purgation should eoninieiice in
eighteen to twenty-four hours after the administration of the dose, and continue
for a like period, it is not unusual for a longer p-riod i elapse before its action
is noticed, and its duration may also be extend. I beyond the normal time A
purgative dose should not be repeated (except in exceptional cases) for at least
th'rty-six hours, and then only a small dose given when the first has not oi)ernte(l.
We are assuming that the drugs given are of good quality, as, of course, no dej)eiid-
ence can l)e placed upon the action of drugs of inferior quality. Purging n<av con-
tinue for a long time, but as long as the patient is kept quiet and the appetite re-
mains good, the pulse normal or nearly so, little or no danger need be apprehciid-d.
If, however, the appetite fails, the pulse becomes thready, and the animal weak,
prompt treatment is necessary. The symptoms indicating too violent and long
continued action of a purgative are: staring, glassy eyes, frequent indistinct or
intermittent pulse, voiding foul smelling or bloody faves. distended abdomen, with
or without evacuations of gas. well marked loss of appetite, and general weakness.
The patient usually stands still, or paws and wanders about, but seldom Hes down.
Horses suffering from any acute disease of the respiratory organs are particularly
susceptible to the action of purgatives, and in such cases even reasonable doses ace
violently.

Treatment.— As stated, when the appetite and strength remain practically
unimpaired, even though purf,ation continue an abnormal length of time, it is not
necessary to interfere, bui should the serious symptoms noted be observed, means
must be taken to check the purgation. This, however, should not be done too
quickly. Care should be taken not to allow water to be taken in large quantities at
a time, as the thirst is usually great, and the horse will drink inordinately. lie
should be given water in small quantities aiid often. The addition to the water of
about one-quarter of its bulk of lime-water gives good results. He should be

alluwed itmall (|uaiititici* of anything he will lat. Dry f«Kxl, rx Imy hih) oat*, are
pn-fi-rable. Jf very weak, stimulants as I to »{ ozs. of whiskiy or liramiy j.1iouU1 Ik;
given every few hours. If |iur}fin>.' loiitimiex treat as for diarrho'ti, viz., gi-.. \''^
to 2 ozH, of laudanum aixl I <lrs. eaeh of jHiwdered catechu and prepared ei. ..k in
a jiint of cold w.iter as a drench every four or fiv hours until |tur;.'in^' ceas'*. (are
must Ir- taken to not continue the latter treatment after purging ceases, as there
would l>e danger of causing cunstipation.

AZOTUKIA.

While azoturia is not a disease of tiie digestive organs it is a dietetic disea.se
and quite a common and serious ailment, hence we may be excused for di>cu-sing it
in this connettion.

It is a disease jK-culiar to the horse and the mule, esiKsially the former. It is
characterized by partial or complete arrest of the power of locomotion caused by
pnrtiii! iir ii.ni|ili'te pninlv-js I'f the ini»ii.ii(.r nr mitcrior limbs (iixiiillv the lorincr)
with a morbid change in the character of the urine. While in all cases the kidneys
beiome involved it is not primarily a disea.st^ of these organs. Some authorities
call it a disease of the blood, while others class it as a disease of the nervous system.
As it occurs after a jH-riod of idleness accompanied by high feeding we feel ju-titied
in classifying it as a " Dietetic disease."' It would liot !>■ wise to discuss the various

views 11^ t" the lliltlire of the (li-eil-e here, lis !| klHiwIedL'e of this i* VilllUllile i.nlv

from a scientific standpoint. Beside?, as opinions of scientists differ we would
gain nothing by the discussion. We shall confine our discussion to the conditions
uiKler which the disease occurs, the symptoms and treatment, both preventive and
curative.

Causes. — It is a ;lisea8e of the well kept horse. It docs not appear in poorly
kept an'i neglected animals. The predisposition to the disease is produced by idle-
ness and good food. An attack is always preceded by a period of idleness, the
period varying to a considerable extent — some say from two days to two weeks or
longer. A few days' idleness is more likely to be followed by an attack than a
longer period of ret. We cannot call to mind a case that occurred following a
rest of less than three or more than ten days. .Inst why this is a fact eniiiiot
be satisfactorily cxph ed. During a period of complete rest and good feeding
the equilibriuni between repair and waste is altered or partially suspended and
plethora is established. The various excreting organs in some cases become more
or less inactive. Certain products of the food which should be eliminated by said
organs accumulate in large quantities, but no physical symptoms are notice iMe
that will leid the attendant to suspect danger until the animal is put in motion.
Then these products, which are supposed to be of a nitrogenous nature, are con-
verted into various substances, chiefly uric and hippuric acids, and are thrown
upon the kidneys for elimination or excretion. The kidneys being unable to
perform the increased function these materials are practically thrown back upon
the system, causing a form of blood-poisoning of the' muscles. This produces
paralysis, either partial or complete of the muscles involved, depending upon the
severity of the attack. It is probable, if the periwl of rest be extended beyond ten
days or two weeks, that the system becomes accustomed to this condition. The
excretory organs then regain their activity and eliminate the materinls which at an
earlier stage in the period of idleness would have caused the disease, had the nnimal
been subject to exercise.

22

We cannot tell why some animals sufft-r from the disease under conditions
to which several have been subjected, and the others go free. Neither can we tell
why a horse may be subjected to such conditions many times with impunity and
another time be attacked with the disease. We know that sucii are the facts, but
cannot explain them.

We notice that hor.>( s accustomed to spasmodic exercise, or, in other words,
accustomed to standing idle for a few days at a time and then worked or driven,
seldom suffer from azoturia. Most victims are those that are accustonud to
regular work and good food, and from some cause spend three days or more in
idleness, and receive their usual amount of grain, and are then given exercise.
Kxercise following rest is necessary to cause the trouble. Cases have been caused
iiy horses bccomi ig halter-cast after a few day's rest, the exertion during the
efforts to rise having the same effect as exercise or work. It is seldom that aliorse
that stands in a box-stall is attacked. In most cases he takes sufficient voluiitury
exercise to keep the excretory organs active, hence prevents an accumulation of the
products noted. As the disease is always serious (especially in heavy horses) and
in severe cases often fatal, it is obvious that preventive treatment is advisable.
This, of course, consists in giving daily exercise to well-fed horses, even df for only
a few minutes. If conditions make this impossible the grain rations should be
reduced and largely supplemented by bran, or, if possible, the horse given a roi.my
box-stall during the period of idleness.

Symptoms. — After a periofl of rest the horse is hitched and, of course, is
usually feeling in higher spirits than usual and anxious to go. After being driven
a variable distance, from a few hundred yards to several miles, (the symi)toms
have been noticed very early in some cases, and in rare oases not for a few hours),
he begins to lose ambition, hangs back, suddenly goes stiff or lame, either in a
hind or fore leg (usually the former). It is often thought that he has picked up
a nail. He perspires freely : the muscles of the loins or croup, or in the fore leg.
those of the forearm and shoulder, become enlarged and hardened. The
respirations become labored, the expression becomes anxious, the pidse frequent and
strong, he trembles, looks around at his si.l.s, apparently suffers pain, and he may
lie down, roll and regain his feet. His back becomes arched, he staggers, knuckles
at his fetlock joints, he is losing control of his limbs, the whole body shakes, he
tries liard to retain the standing position, but eventually falls. He may rise on
his forefeet, and rarely regains the standing position, or drag his hind j^Iirt along
upon flexed fetlocks, and fall again. He generally struggles violently, often
becomes delirious, and frequently uncontrollable. If he voids urine, or if it be
drawn with a catheter, it is noticed to be thick in consistence and very dark in
color, very strongly resendding strong, thick coffee in appearance. He is totally
nind)le to rise or stand if lifted by the use of slings or in other ways, but h's power
to struggle is very well marked, and it is often diflfieuU to prevent him injuring
himself and his attendants.

These are the symptoms of a severe case, and, of course, are more or less
modified in cases of less severity. In mild eases the patient is able to retain the
standing position, but the partial or complete loss of power to control the liml)s is
noticed. The lassitude, enlargement and hardening of the muscles, anxious expre*.
sion, and apparent colicky pains, and the marked change in the appearance of the
urine, are more or less marked in all ca.ses.

Trkatmevt.— In most cases, when the first symptoms appear, if the horse be
allowed to stand still for a few hours and is made as comfortable as possible he
will recover without treatment. Hence, as soon a* the slightest symptoms of the

23

disease are notiuod in a. horse that is being ilriveii, ridilin. worked or exercised in
any manner alter a period of idleness, the driver should not attempt to get him
home or to a veterinarian, but quietly lead him to the nearest comfortable quarters
(if in line weather a held or fence corner will do) and send lor the nearest
veterinarian. If the patient has trouble in standing, care should be taken to
support him, if jtossible, for a few hours, when he will probably have regaiueil
sulfieicnt jmwer to support himself. It is good practice to administer a purgative
of "i to 10 drs. of aloes (according 1^ the size of the patient) and "5 or ;> drs. of
ginger. If the weather is cold, clothe heavily and keep warm. If he can be kcj)t
on his feet for a few hours a recovery will take place, and he can be moved to hi^
own or other comfortable stable in twenty-four to forty-eiglit hours or in some
cases sooner; in rare cases it requires a longer period of complete rest. Jf the
patient falls and is unable to rise he should be loaded on a boat or truck and moved
to some roomy and comfortable place and made as comfortable as possil)li>.

If the services of a veterinarian can be procured it is always wise to do so in
severe cases of this disease, as he will follow treatment that can be given only by a
veterinarian who has the proper instruments and understands the use of the drugs
that are used in treatment.

When such cannot be procured it is good {)ractice to administer a purgative
and follow up with the administration of 1 to li,L> drs. of iodide of potassium every
five hours for about twenty-four hours. Injections of warm, soapy water ])er
rectum should be given every few hours to hasten actions of the bowels. The urine
should be drawn off with a catheter every six to eight hours, ami if the kidneys
Income inactive ^-^ oz. of the nitrate of potassium (saltpetre) should be given three
times daily. It is necessary for an attendant or two to remain witli him. and in
some cases it is necessary to hobble his feet to prevent injury to himself or attend-
ants. If the bowels and kidneys can be ke[>t active, and delirium does not in-
crease, there will be reasonable prospect of recovering, but if the symptoms con-
tinue to increase in intensity death will n'sult, usually in from two to three days.

When recovery is about to take ])lace and the patient attempts to rise, he
should be assisted. In some cases it is wise to use slings to get him on his feet,
but if he cannot stand when raised he must be let down again.

During treatment he should be allowed water frequently, but should not be
allowed to drink large quantities at a time. and. if he will eat he should l)e given
liran and a little good hay, or grass if it can be procured. .\t any time during
treatment, if colicky pains be shown, it is good practice to give an anodyne as
1 to 2 ozs. tincture of belladonna or 1 to l^o ozs. chloral hydrate.

As stated, in all. except very mild cases, it is wise to eni[)loy a veterinarian,
as complications are lialde to arise which he will probably be able to combat, and
which would not be understood bv an amateur.

THE OX

When we use the word " ox " we refer to cattle in general, rcgardle.-s of sex.
The stomach of the ox, being such a complex organ, is more liable to digestive
derangement than his intestines. In order that the reader may more readily
understand and appreciate the different diseases, their causes, symptoms and
treatment, i! may be wise to describe the anatomy of the tfsophagus and stomach.
The u'sophagus or gullet, jmssing from the posterior portion of the piiarviix
or cavity posterior to the root of the tongue, is a tube composed of mucous mem-
brane surrounded i)y muscular fibres. These fibres surround the mucus
membrane, and. 'ike other muscular fibre are contractile. When a bolus of food is
passing down the tube the fibres expand, and immediately contract after the bolus
has passed. The oesophagus, after passing through the thorax or lung cavity,
I)ierces the diaphragm (the division between the thoracic and ai)d()niinal cavities)
then expands and enters the stomach as a somewhat funnel-shaped dilation ; the
mucous membrane is i)ientiful, somewhat folded, and continuous witii the mucous
membrane of the stomach.

The ox is usually spoken of as having four stomachs, but this i, not strictly
correct, as there is but one organ; but it is more or less compktclv .lividcd into
four compartments, called for convenience the first, second, thin! and fourth
stomaci;o. Technically these are called, the rumen, reticulum, lasum and
abomasum. The rumen, ])auiich or first stomach is a very large compartment,
occupying about four-fifths of the adbominal cavity, uated principally on the
left side, extending well back to the jjclvis and ha ,g an average capacity of
probably alwut tliirty-six gaib.ns. The reticulum or second st-mn.-l. i< sit.ii.tcd to
the front and right of the rumen. It is a comparatively small compartment and
not well divided from the rumen. In fact, the division is so imi)erftct tiiat it
would be difficult to distinguish one from the other if it were not for the arrange-
ment of the mucous membrane: that of the rumen being smooth like that of the
o'sopliagus. while tiiat of ti)e reticulum strongly res^'mi)les an eniptv boiicv-conil.
with the top of the cells cut off. On this account the compartment is frequently
referred to as " the honey-comb." The (miasum or third stomach is to the front
and right of the reticulum. It is a small organ with a ca])acitv of about I to li/.
gallons. The mucous membrane of this compartment is formed into leaves of
different depths. In fact, when it is empty it appears as i compartment of leaves
of mucous membrane, on which account it is often refcrreu to as " the many-])lies."
These leaves are thickly studded on each side with elevated epithelial cells, which
grind the food as it passes through. To the right and posterior to this compart-
ment is the abomasum or fourth stomach, which is the true digestive stomncli and
contains the gastric glands. This is comparatively small, its capacity probtbly
being between three and four gallons. At the i>osterior portion is a constri- teil
orifice called the pylorus or pyloric orifice, with which the small intestine is con-
tinuous.

Digestion in the ox (with the exception of that which takes place in the small
intestine) is supposed to be carried on as follows : He eats large quantities of
bulky food, eats it rapidly, hence does not take time to masticate it well. It enters
the rumen, the muscular coat of which has both transverse and longitudinal fibres,
the contraction of which lessens the calibre of the organ in all directions, and. of
course, their relaxation correspondingly enlarges it. During the time th" animal

25

is fating thi* tontraetiou and relaxation is continuous, produeiuf; a somewhat
ch'irninfr motion wiiich thoroughly mixes the contents with each other ami with
l.ie liquids tliat are present. When the animal lias sati^^fied his desire for food tlie
process of rumiuatiou or chewing the cud commences. This is supposed to he
performed somewhat as follows: The muscular fibres mentioned contract firndy,
this compresses the contents of the organ and forces it forward, the dilated end
of the u'sopliagiis closes and, in closing grasps a portion of the ingesta and hy a
regurgitative or anti-peristaltic action it is returned to the mouth for re-mastica-
tion. This process being performed the bolus is swallowed. If there stdl he any
imjyerfectly masticated portions they are supposed to again enter the rumen, while
the finely masticated and the fluid portions pass directly to the omasum by what is
known as '• the oesophageal canal," which consists of two double leaf-like folds of
mucous membrane which extend from the cesophagus (hanging downward) to the
omasum. When a bolus of re-masticated food is teing swallowed th(! lower edges
of the folds aj)proach each other and when they meet a canal is formed which
carries the ingesta to the omasum. Then another bolus is regurgitated, re-masti-
cated and swallowed, and this continues until the process of rumination is com-
pleted. It will be seen that the cud is simply a portion of the contents of the
rumen returned to the mouth for re-mastication, hence the too-common idea that
cattle su'Ter from a disease known as " loss of the cud " is false. In most cases
of digestive troubles the process of rumination ceases, but when the disease is cured
it will again be performed.

It must not be thought that all the contents of the rumen undergo this process
at any time, v nly a limited amount is operated upon at once; hence, in health
the rumen always contains a large amount of ingesta.

The re-masticated food having entered the omasum it fills the spares between
the leaves, which press upon it. and. having a slight motion, one upon the other,
still further grind it and press the fluids into the abomasum. These gradually
pass into the abomasum, where true digestion really commences. It will be seen
by the above that the functions of the first three compartments are simply to pre-
pare the food for digestion which takes place in the fourth stomach.

When from any cause any of the functions mentioned are checked, suspended,
interrupted or materially altered, digestive derangement will be nntired, the causes,
syni])tomi and treatment of which we will discuss.

TYMPAXITIS. RLOATIXG, TIOVEX OR BLOWN.

Causes. — This condition known by many names consists of distension of the
rumen with gas. The most fruitful cause is a sudden change from dry food to
an unlimited supply of green food of an\ kind. ])rincipally to the different varieties
of clover, and more particularly when the clover is in flower. It frequently occurs
from the voracity with which cattle that have been kept on dry food all winter con-
sume green fodder. TTenee. it is more prevalent in the spring than at other
seasons. It results from feeding too freely on green ffwd of any kind, espocially
on that tipon which dew or rain is present, and more particularly when frosted;
hence is not uncommon in the fall when cattle are allowed to consume clover, rape,
turnip tops. etc.. when frosted. Any food that readily ferments, if taken in suffi-
cient quantities to temporarily check digestion, will quickly form gases and cause

26

bloatii

It

It is oltun a lomplicution in cases of choking, tl^e imclianical im-
I>ediment being tlie cause by j)revt'uting the escape of gas through the gullet.
Sudden changes of diet of any kind may cause the trouble, or insufficient secretion
of sahva may have tlie same effect. While some of the above-mentioned causes
usually precede iiii attack, it is not uncommon to notice a well-marked case for
which no well-marked cause can be traced. Such cases are doubtless due to some
unsuspected and not well understood temporary derangement of tlic digestive glands
and nmseles of the rumen. Any condition that causes torpidity of the rumen may
cause bloating, even though no change of food of a dangerous nature has taken
place. Torpidity of the rumen occurs in debilitating diseases, in fact in most
diseases of the ox, also from the introduction of excessively cold material as frosted
fodder, into the organ.

Symptoms.— The patient comnunres to exhibit signs of uneasiness, lying
down and rising frequently, and kicking at the belly. Kumi nation is susj)cndcd
and food refused. There is general (lej)rcssion. i)r()trusi()ii of the niu/zlc. pro-
jection and congestion of the vyvr^. increased flow of saliva, and generallv moaning
during expiration. The back is arched and there is more or less marked swelling
of the abdomen especially marked on the left side, especiallv between the point o(
the left hip and the last rib. If this be i)ressed with the finger it will vield. but
at once regain its former condition when pressure is relieved. If tapjxMl' witli the
fingers a resonic. tympanic or drum-like sound will be heard, hence the name
"tympanitis." Distension of the rumen causes forward pressure upon the
diaphragm (the division between the abdominal and lung cavities), hence lessens
the space of the lung cavity and causes difliculty ii spiration in proportion to
the degree of bloating. In many eases forcible ejection of fa-ces jier rectum is
noticed. In most cases there arc eructations of gases of a special odor. The
bowels soon cease to act and breathing becomes more difficult as the tvm[)any
increases. The brain frequently becomes involved to some extent. the"i)atient
becoming blind, staggering and falling. Death may occur quicklv from rupture of
the ru-nen, .jpture of the diaphragm, suffocation, or absorption of gases.

TnEATMENT.— Preventive treatment consists in avoiding sudden changes of
food, especially from a dry to a moist or green ration. All changes shoul.l be^'made
gradually. When cattle that have been accustomed to dry fodder are to bo turned
out on grass, especially any variety of clover, it is good practice to give a moderate
meal in the stable then turn on grass for a few minutes, sav twenty to thirty
minutes. Xext day leave on grass for a longer period, sav forty to fifty minutei,
and continue to gradually increase the period in order that' the animals will become
less inclined to engorgement and the digestive organs graduallv acquire the power
to perform their new functions. In a few days it will be reasonablv safe to allow
the cattle to remain on the pasture. Much greater danger exists at any time in
allowing cattle that are not accustomed to green fodder to partake of it when
frosted, or damp with either dew or rain. Frosted grass, rape, turnip tops, etc., are
very dangerous under any conditions.

CcRATiVE treatment must be directed to remove or neutralize the gases that
are present and to prevent the formation of more. It will depend upon the
severity of the attack and the extent of the distension of the rumen whether it will
be wise to attempt the immediate removal of the gases or to administer drugs to
neutralize them. When bloating is not excessive, with little danger of death
occurring quickly, the administr»tion of any drug that will neutralize the ga.ses
may, and should, be effective. For this purpose oil of turpentine (commonly
called spirits of t-rpentine) is probably the best simple remedy. This is g= n

<

87

2 to 4 <)Z. (loses, ncoiinliiij; to the size of the patient, aii<l the state of distension.
It is wise to ailniinister it in some vehiele to prevent irritation of tlie niueous
membrane. Tlie b<'st vehiele is raw linseed oil 1 to ]'o pts. When oil is not on
hand melted butter or lard or whole milk answers the purpose well, but turj)entine
will not mix with water; at the same time when oily vehiides are not readily obtain-
alile it may bo ^iven in water if the bottle be constantly shaken. Hyposulphite
of soda in 1 to U/ij oz. doses mixed with about a pint of warm water also gives good
results. Carbonate of ammonia in 4 to 6 dr. doses, or biearbonatc of s(.,la
(baking soda) in 1 to 1' j oz. doses also aets well, but none of ilu'se ac^t so well or
so promptly as oil of turpentine. The Kentucky Experimental Station highly
recommends the administration of about V-_' f"'- of fornudin in u quart of water
and cite many cases in wliich it has given excellent results. The writer has not
experimented with this drug in this connection, having had good results from oil
of turpentine. At the same time the use of formalin is worthy of a trial, but it
must be remembered tliat it is a very strong astringent and irritant, hence must be
diluted with at least a quart of water.

In addition to administering the dose (whatever we select) it is good ])ractice
to put a hay roj)e, a piece of wood or other material about two inches in diameter,
into the patient's mouth and fasten it there. This tends to cause a working of
the jaws and facilitates the escape of gas through the resophagus. If the desired
results be not obtained in an hour the dose may be repeated.

In cases where bloating is extreme there is danger of death resulting quickly
from rupture of the organs mentioned from sutToeation or from absorption of
gases. In such cases we cannfit wait for the action of medicines given b\* the
mouth. Relief must be prompt and the gases must be removed by mechanical or
surgical means. In some cases the passing of a rubber tube down the oesophagus to
the stomach will give immediate relief. The m ' ■ >■;*■ be kept open by an
ordinary gag, a mouth speculum, a small device or .. ivico; the tube (5 or
G ft. of ordinary i^-inch garden hose serves the purpose a .11) is oiled, carefully
passed until the end enters the rumen. If that part of the rumen be not blocked
by semi-solid contents the gas will immediately escape through the tube, but if it
IS the gas cannot enter the tube.

In such cases an opening must be made into the rumen on the left side at the
most prominent part between the jioint of the hip and the last rib through the
skin, muscles and wall of the rumen through which the gas will escape and give
practically immediate relief. The hair should be clipped off and the scat of
operation, the instruments, and the hands of the operator thoroughly disinfected
with a five per cent, solution of carbolic acid, one of the coal tar antiseptics or
other good disinfectant. An instrument called a trocar and canula is the proper
one to use. It consists of a metal tube with a sharp pointed metal rod passing
through it, the poin+ of the rod extending some distance longer than the tube.
An incision may be made through the skin with a knife or the instrument forced
through without an incision. It is forced well into the rumen, the trocar then
drawn out, which leaves the canula or tube inserted through which the gas escapes.
When this instrument cannot be procured in time an opening may be made with a
knife and the lips of the wound held apart to allow escape of the gas. Unless the
opening be quite large no after treatment is required other than keeping the wound
clean and dressing regularly with an antiseptic. When the proper instrument is
used after-treatment of any kind is seldom necessary.

In a!l cases it is good practice, after bloating has disappeared, to administer
a laxdt've of about 1 lb. of Epsom salt or li^ pts raw linseed oil, and feed lightly
on laxative food for a few days.

*■

88

IMPACTION OF THE RUMEX.

Causk.— Impaction of the rumen is one of the mo^t common diseases of the
stomach of the ox. It consists in distension of the rumen with solid matters. It
IS a pathological condition somewhat similar to tymoanitis, hut differing in the
urgency of its symptoms and the method ot treatment. It depends upon introduc-
tion of so id mutters to such an amount as to partially or wholly i)aralyze the or-an
by over distension. Some foods appear more liahle to cause the disorder than
others as grain, chaff, or potatoes, but anything particularly i)alatable to the
animal may be consumed in such quantities if opportunity presents itself. Sudden
changes ot food, especially if the change be to a food particularly palatable, over-
feeding on gram without allowing the animal to take exercise, "indigestible food
such as over-ripe hay, food of noor quality even if consumed in only moderate
quantities, may cause the trouble; the animal continuing to eat, but not ruminat-
ing sufticiently. the amount of ingesta gradually increases in the rumen Tiiis
distends its walls until they become partirlly paralyzed; hence the normal con-
traction and relaxation does not take place, and the normal churning motion is
absent. V^e frequently notice a case of impaction without appreciable cause,
which, no doubt, is due to a temporary suspension of the action of the walls of the
organ, or a fL.iure in action of the glands, for which we can give no cause.

Symptoms.— The animal becomes dull and suffers pain, which is often ex-
pressed by .stamping of the feet, striking at the abdomen with the hind feet, switch-
ing the tail, etc. The pulse is frequent, and respirations usually accelerated
Appetite IS lost and rumination suspended. The bowels are usually constipated.
The abdomen is enlarged, especially on the left side, but this does not occur so
quickly as m tympanitis: neither is it of the .same nature. When tapped between
the point of the left hip and the last rib a dull sound is produced, and when pressed
It has a doughy feel, and the imprints of the fingers do not quickly disappear—
It "pits on pressure." There is often a gn.it during expiration, 'more evident
when tlie animal is lying down— especially if lying upon the left side, a position
that IS seldom maintained for any considerable time. In the later stages tympanitis
often sets in as a complication, when the respiration becomes more labored, the
grunt during expiration more pronounced, in .some cases resembling a groan rather
than a grunt. The patient often grinds his teeth and persists in standing with
protruded muzzle an<l arched back. In some cases inflammation of the romen
results, when there will be well-marked increase of the temperature and the patient
will manifest pain if pressure be made on the left side.

The foregoing symjttoms are more or less well-marked in severe cases, but in
cases of less .severity the patient occasionally appears to have periods of ease and
expresses a desire for food. If food be allowed lie will eat a variable amount with
apparent relish, but the symptoms of illness soon become more marked than '.,. ' ,re.
This is of necessity the case, as the walls of the rumen are more or less inactive and
the mucous glands also are in a state of partial inactivity: the organ is not per-
forming its proper function and the introduction of a fresh supply of food must
intensify the trouble.

TiJEATJiF.N-T must »e diropted to tlio mmovnl nf =ome of the impacted food
mass and the restoration of activity to the over-distended walls of the rumen. When
the distension is not excessive a brisk purgation of 2 drs. Epsom salts, i/o oz.
gambose and 2 ozs. ginger in about IVo qts. of warm water fhould be given "as a
drench. This is a fair dose for an ordinary sized cow, the dose for smaller or
larger animals should be in proportion to size. In order that the purgative may
act it is necessary that the paralysis of the walls of the organ be overcome. For

as

this purpose nerve tonics, as nux vomica in 2 dram doses (for an ordinary sized
cow) should be given every six or seven hours. It is not wise to allow the patient
any solids to eat until there is a free action of the bowels. If he expresses a desire
for food a little bran mash may be allowed. If purgation has ntt commenced in
•U' iiours more purgative nH'di<ine should be given. Altout I'o pts. of raw lin.-ccd
oil should be given and alternated every twelve hours with 1 lb. Epsom salt and
1 oz. ginger, until purgation is established. The administration of nux vomica
should be continued in the meantime. The patient should be allowed all the water
he will drink. If the weather and surroundings be cold it is well to remove the
chill from the water.

It is remarkable how stubborn some cases are, the length of time an animal
will sutffr and the quantities of purgative incdicines it is necessary to administer
before an improvement is noticed. If the disease is not yielding to treatment after
the second day it is necessary to give the patient something to sustain strength.
Probably for this purpose nothing acts as well as boiled flax-seed administered as a
drench in al)OHt quart doses four or five times daily. This is laxative, soothing
and nutritive.

So long as tympanitis does not occur the probability of successful treatment
may be looked upon as hopeful. If it occurs the usual treatment for bloating
must be followed in addition to that already noted. In cases where the early
symptoms of the disease are extreme an operation called •' rumenotomy " is neces-
sary. This consists in cutting through the skin, muscles and walls of the rumen
and removing a large portion of the contents by hand. The operation can be
successfully performed only by a veterinarian.

What is commonly called "Grain Sick" is simply impaction of the run i
with grain. When an animal is known to have had the opportunity of eating «..<-
ccssive quantities of grain, the usual custom of shutting him in a stable, allowing
him neither food nor water, and awaiting developments is absurd. The owner
should anticipate trouble by at once administering a brisk purgative, as for im-
paction. Allow him nothing to eat, but allow all the water he wil' drink in small
quantities and often, in the hopes that purgation will commence before the grain
swells and causes paralysis of the walls of the rumen. Of course, in cases of
"grain sick" where the early symptoms are severe, rumenotomy should be per-
formed at once.

FAT^DEL BOUND.

Causes. — Fardel bound is the name given to a pathological condition which
consists in impaction of the omasum or third stomach. It is also known as maw
bound. verti,<r<i, staggers, et<-. Tlie ingcsta lieconies impacted between tlu- leaves of
the organ. It is sometimes followed by inflammation of the stomach. It is a
much more serious condition than impaction of the rumen. The contents of the
omasum are normally drier than those of any other compartment of the stomach,
but when this disease is present they become very dry, so dr>' that in some post
pioTtems it has been observed that they will burn if lighted with a match. The
disease is caused by introduction into the stomach of food of an indigestible char-
acter, particularly thai of a dn-, woody nature, as autumn grass that has been
allowed to remain in the field until spring, and is consumed in greater or less
quantities by the cattle along with the fresh grass ; - rer-ripe hay, poorly saved
hay, straw, coarse and indigestible herbage sometimes found in old pastures, espec-
iailv where considerable shade is found. Like other diseases of the stomach, it is

It is ditlicult to treat

30

often met with when no well-marked cause can be traced,
and often proves fatal.

SYMPT0M8.-The symptonw of fardd houn.l arc not as typical as those of
bloating or impacfon of the rumen, la many cases, in the earlv'^staU f "eTaJ:
passed frequently and .„ ,..a.l quantities, in some cases in a fluid or semi-fl"i

o itrthl" ""^T.'l'l-^^ ''•-• '^^^ '>«'-*l- 1" either case obstinate .onstipation soon
follows, the appe ite b. .u.os impaired or entirely absent, rumination ceases the
*^ret.on of mdk ,s more or less suspendenl (if the' patient .>e milking), the ml^z le
becomes dry. and the eyes usually dull but in some cases wild looking. In r!,re

Sus r/b" r°/'"' ? ?^ T'' ^*"«"' ^''^' ""^'-* '~« wild, more or iS
furious and hard to control. A short grunt is often noticed during expiration
ospec-ially when the patient i. lying. This symptom is often notic^f in ^TUl
impaction of the rumen, but the condition of the abdomen. es,,ecially on the left
side, 18 sufficient to enable a man to differentiate between tl,; di.lase. ^{esj, ati m
are usually frequent and short. The patient often persists in standing bu Tn
some cases hes considerably on his left side with the head turned towards the flank

^ZT"^ 't* "'"^ ""'r ''^ '"'«•' """' ""**" ^«"^^ P«-- After a variaWe
tent, of Tk ^^^- ""Tu'.^''' tympanitis, caused by fermentation of the con-
tents of the rumen, in wh,ch digestion is also suspended. As state<]. .lelirium mav
be noticed in the early stages, in other cases it may occur later on, while i^ sS
0 hers there is drowsiness and stupor or partial paralysis more or less marked
during the whole progress of the disease. The patient suffers acute abdZinal
p&in*

nff^.Zri™''?-":-^*'"''/^''™™'"'^ *'''''^'"^- '^^''^^^ ^^'^ l"-«i'i appears markedly

ir^f i jf *^^ '^™'"/y™Ptom9 ««• not well marked blood letting is seldom

of the muscular walls of the vipcus and also of the muscular fibres of the manyplies.
and that laxatives or purgatives will not act satisfactorily until this paralysis is
overcome. The actions of purgatives are often verj- peculiar and disappointing.
In a reasonab e time after the administration of a purgative there generally are two
or three slight liquid evacuations and the attendant thinks that free purgation has
commenced, but these symptoms are often quickly followed by a return of the
constipation. The administration of a brisk, saline purgative \as for impaction
of the rumen) at first, is considered good practice by most practitioners. While
in a general way the purgative action of aloes is very slightly marked in the ox. it is
supposed 0 have a special action on the contents of the third stomach; hence it is

watlC ' ^^ ^ t ^''- °^ "^"'^ *° *^^ «^'^'"«^' P"'-?'^**-^' ^» dissolved in

water and given as a drench, care must be taken to not use hot water, as ifwill cause
the formation of a waxy mass out of the aloes, which interferes with the admini-
stration and also lessens the purgative action of the aloes. Follow up with 2 to 3
drs. of nux vomica three times daily to overcome the muscular paralysis. Also
give a stimulant of 2 to 3 ozs. sweet spirits of nitre, or a cupfnl of whiskey in a pint
of cold water as a drench every four or five hours, and allow the patict all the
cold water he will drink. If free purgation has not commenced in twenty-four
hours give V/, to 2 pts. of raw linseed oil. continue the administration of nux
vomica and stimulants, and about even- twelve hours until free purgation is estab-
lished, g.ve 1 lb. Ep.som salt and 1 oz. ginger, and 1 to lU, pts. raw linseed oil
alternately. I.e., give the saline dose and the oil alternately at intervals of twelve
hours. If the patient will take a little food, allow reasonable quantities of bran
mash with a little Imseed meal, but no solid food. If he will not eat. «ome nourish-

31

ment mui«t be given after the second day in order tu keep up his strength. For
this purpose some practitioners r.-comraend ale or stout, some recommend oat meal
gruel, and some boiled flaxseed. Probably the last mentioned, given in 1 to 2 qt.
doses every six hours, gives the best results. This has a soothing eiTect upon the
irritated and more or less inflamed mucous membrane of the stomach, and also a
laxative as well as a nutritive action. Treacle or black strap molasi^cs is highly
prized by some for the treatment of this and otiu>r diseases of the stomach, and i^>
worthy of a trial. Treatment should be kept up until the patient improves or
death results.

CHOKIXG.

Choking is more of an aeiiilent than a disi'iisi'. but as it is a pathological con-
dition of the digestive organs it may be considered correct to classify it as a disease
of the digestive organs. It consists in the blocking or the packing of the resophagus
(the gullet) with sonic fon'ign body. Symptoms somewhat similar to those of
choking, however, arise from other causes, as injuries to the oesophagus from sharp
bodies swallowed, and also from some nervous diseases. Blocking of the tube by
foreign bodies -.equently occurs in the o.\, but not nearly so frequently now as
. formerly, as most feeders pulp the roots instead of feeding them whole as was once
done. Choking is usually caused by the lodgement in some part of the oesophagus
of a portion of a turni|) or other root or a whole apple, potato, etc., l)ut may be by
impaction of other food too greedily swallowed. When stricture of the oesophagus
from any cause exists, choking is quite common, the bolus of food or piece of solid
matter not being able to pass through the constricted tube, on the other hand,
where diLtation of a portion of the tube exists, choking is also common, as the
bolus, when being swallowed, lodges in the dilated portion. This is followed by
the lodgement of other Iwliises until the symptoms of clicking becomes well marked.
When no abnormal condition of the oesophagus exists, and reasonable care be taken
to properly prepare solid f<x)ds. cliokitig is of rare occurrence. The foreign Inidy that
causes the trouble may be lodged in the pharynx (the cavity just behind tlie root
of the tongue) or in the cervical i)ortion of gullet (the region of the neck) or in
the thoracic portion (that portion that passes through the thoracic or lung cavity).
Symptoms. — The symptoms are readily recognized. The patient stands with
muzzle protruded, makes ineffectual artenipts to swallow, coughs, champs his jaws
and there is a profuse flow of saliva from the mouth. Appetite and rumination
are suspended, but gulping efforts to swallow are made. The eyes project and
become bloodshot, the jiatient is uneasy and in many cases fseces and urine are
frequently voided in small quantities. When any matter is swallowed, or given as
a drench, it is returned through the mouth and nostrils. If the impaction be in
the pharynx, coughing is the best marked symptom, and respiration is interfered
with ; if in the cervical region an enlargement can generally be located by sight or
by manipulaMon on the lower margin of the neck in the channel. This latter may
be large or small, hard or soft, movable or immovable. acCordinsr to the bulk and
nature of tlie material and condition of tlie a'so|)]uijrns. If in tlie thoracic region.
of course, the obstruction can be neither seen or felt. If fluid is given it appears
to pass to the stomacb 'nit it simply fills the passage from the obstruction to the
pharynx and is then regurgitated. Bloating is often soon noticed, except in cases
in which, on account of the shape of the obstruction, the whole calibre of the tube
is not filled, hence liquid or gaseous matter may be able to pass it.

38

-y the mouth or by cau«„g it to paw downward, to the stomach. If bloa in/S
exce...v^ U .hould .k. relieved by puncturing a, in a c^ of ordinary tympanlt.^
Then, .f po.«bks the .eat of the obstruction .hould be located. If in the pK^,

bvX uT ? ^ "T'^ ^"- ^'^ P-*'«"''« •"-^'^ •»»«» be k pt well ol.^n
aJii al ZlV """'? "P^"'"™'" <-l^vice or other device, an assistant holds The

removes ,t If ,n the cervical region the operator should endeavor to move it by

cxerS of'T'littl .'V"" T'^-V ""•'^ '''''''' "P-">^ - 'lownT«ni:\Se
cxerci^of a l.tte patience will usually cause it to be swallowed or couglu-d up

If It be grain cither whole or chopped, or hay or straw t.K, greclilv .iall. wed

the mass may be broken up by manipulation and will pass dotn to he s omach

If relief cannot l.e given as above or the obstruction be in the cervical r"Zn

efforts must be made to force it down. For this purpose an instrumenTca lied a

probang ' should be used. The too common habil of using a fork handle br^m

handle, whip, harness trace, etc.. cannot Ik. too stronglv oomlemned. The . , Z

ng surface of the obstruction is usually irregular in shape and 1 th ' e

lltlT7^ 7""°"''^ r "*•'" 'T*^ '' "^■«'' '^' >«"" i* '^^y >i«We to pass to one

'it 1 K- T." *^^ '^P*"? ^^' oesophagus. In this case it is often though?

win *''^, °''J^* '^"'' »7!' /«'^«'l t" the stomach, but the patient does not get ease.

will neither eat nor drink, and in a few hours the neck and throat commence to

trilL'17 "' *':.""" f'"'^*'^ "'"""' "^^y ^'^«""- -^ that are fo n"d n
long^. ^ "^ """'" *''*"'' ""^ ^^' P*^'^"* "^"«"y '!'«« •" « f^«- hours

A probang usually is made of about five or six feet of spiral wire, covered with
leather or gum elastic, and having attached to each end a metal or horn disk
o a cup shape, so that when it meets the obstruction, instead of pas.ing alongside
of It, 't practically grasps it or encircles it. and when force is applied it is exerted
upon the obstruction in the desired way. Many probangs have stillets of whale-

o^dLrvT/";*''"^'*''" *^r- ^'^•^^ " P'"^""*^ >^ "«t procurable a piece of
ordinary garden hose answers the purpose fairly well, the hollow in the hose acting

;^ nV"n ^^.J '■''' "^ *^', P'"'"'"'^- '^'^^ ^^'^^ ''«" he strengthoned by using I

na<id nni r 7^1 T T' J°' " '*'"'*' '"'' ''^'"^ *«''^» ^hat the stiliet be not
pa.»se(l quite to the end of the hose.

In order to pass the probang a wooden ^r.g with a hole through the centre or
other device is necessary to hold the mouth open. The gag extends „ few ir.chel
on each side of the mouth and has straps atta.hc] to it, which pass over the head
and bnckk beh.nd the horns to hold the gag in the mouth. The proband should
be oiled. An assistant on each side of the animal catches the gag with one hand
and the horn on the other, and hold the head in such a position a^ to n ike the
mouth and nPsophagus in as nearly a straight line as possible. The operator then
passes the probang through the hole in the gag and gentiv backwards until t enters
the .esophagus through which it passes until the end reaches the obstruction. Then
teady pressure should be applied to force the obstruction down into the stomach.
In some cases the obstruction is so firmly implanted that it cannot 1v f-.m-l down
m this way, ,n which case, if in the cervical region, an operation called
"oesophago tomy" m^- be performed. This consists in%utting throuS he sk n
and walls ot the cesophagus and removing the obstruction, then stitching the wound
n the ccsophagus w.th carboli.^d catgut or silk sutures, then stitching the wound
in the skin and feeding on sloppy food only for ten to fourteen davs. Xone bu "a
veterinarian should attempt the operation. When the obstruction is in the cervical

33

region and cannot b«* forced down all that can lie done ix leave the animal alone.
If nece^iiary to prevent bloatint( leave the cauula in the .stomach and await develop-
ment«. In many ca«et) the animal gets n>licf u(ter M-vcral houn*, the ob«truction
evidently becoming partially cooked and paxoiug to the stomach. As choking it
liable to recur if care be not taken, the animal should not )>e fed on food liable to
caujse the trouble for a week or ten day* after the occurrem-e, in order to allow time
for the inflamed and dilated portion of the a>i»ophagUA» to regain it« normal
condition.

COLIC.

Causes. — "'*'e ox is not nearly so liable to the different forms of colic as the
horse, but at fae same time cases are not unusual. Colic, defined as "any
abdominal pain not due to inflammation " is capable of more exact limitation. It
is distinguished by certain symptoms, which are more or less marked in other
abdominal disorders, and are known as " colicky pains." While footl of poor
quality, of an indigestible nature, focxl improp -ly prepared, sudden changes in
food, etc., usually cause disease of the stomach of the o.x, we find that in some cases
they cause painful disorders of the intestines, a^id such attacks are known as
•• colic."

Symptoms. — The animal ceases to feed and ruminate for a time, the pulse
becomes full and bounding; there is numninj.- grindiii>; of the teeth, striking at
the abdomen with the hind feet, extreme restlessness, indicated by frequently lying
down and rising, turning the head around and placing the muzzle against the seat
of pain ; there often is sweating and frequent passing of urine in small quantities, or
of portions of small dry fa<ces. Rupture of various kinds, strangulation of the
bowels, impaction of the bowels, as well as certain disorders of the liver, stomach
or urinary apparatus, may be cause of .symptoms simulating those of colic. In
such cases other syiiiptoms are usually pre;-cnt which assist in diagnosis. But,
failing these, we may usually attril)ute the symptoms of di.sorder to simple or
spasmodic colic, spasms cf a portion or portions of tl'.c small intestine. Then the
pains are paroxysmal, that is. a period of pain is followed by a period of ease,
during which tho patient api)ears perfectly normal, the pulse bccoi.ies normal, all
excitement ceases, the i)aticnt will cat or ruminate and ai)pear normal in all
respects for a variable time. This is again followed by a period of well marked
pain, etc. The |)eriods of |)aroxysm var\- in length and severity, but the pain is
always well marked. The trouble may be induced by changes in diet, the passage
of imperfectly prepared food from the stomach,, and some claim, by drinking large
quantities of very cold water.

Ti!K.\TMr.xT. — As it is a spasmodic disease medicines that relieve spasms
(called antispasmodics) should be given promjitly, as 2 fluid ozs. each of sweet
spirits of nitre and tinctun- of belladonna and 1 fluid oz. of laudanum for an
ordinary sized cow; smaller or larger animals shouM be given a dose in ))roportion
to their size. The patient should not be allowed to eat anything during the ])eriods
of ease, as this is very liable to increase the intcnsitv of the trou])1e. The do.se may
be repeated in one and one-half to two hours if neces.sary, and at like intervals as
often as reauired ; l)ut after the second dose it is wise to omit the laudanum as it

"lat the trouble has been caused bv the

tends to constipate.

the

iptic

presence of indigestible food or of fo.--! imperfectly prepared in the intestine, it is
good practice to administer a puigative after the symi)toms of colic have disap-

S4

of warm wat.r. It i. aUo kcmhI pra.tico to uivc an irijiK lion of warm «oai.v water xJ

FLATIJLKXT COLIC.

in thl'l"'" '" T'' r ' *'-"^ " '^'' ''•'"'«»'»" "f Ra«>« in the ititostin... principally
n the ar^r,. .ntcne. ,. known as " flatulent ,.olic." This form may he diainosed

a 1 ";jr^rr 'r *;^ ^^'^-^^-P^-- '-«« >- alarming and'violent K
IZ ' r '"^ ^'haracter; there are j.rartically no period, of ease. The

n i'" '; »'"'" "V""''^"*' '•"* ^'"■>' '" '■"^-'''''^J- Emission ..f gases pe^
. e urn .s often noticed, and. particularly if the small intestine be inv.lml th^e
may Ik- eructations ,.f gases and in reasonably well marked cases a more or e!
well marked distension of the right si ,( the abdomen. In such ea.sertreatJen

t,^^u,^J ' ^^'^"''^' "••.»'»"• *'"• tl'i^ purpose 2 to 3 fluid ozs. each of oil of
tur,K. ntine a.,,! the aromat..> spirits of ammonia, in VU pts. of raw lin^.d oM

of the oil. Recta injections as for spasmodic colic should also be given. It is

also g..„l pra,.t,ce to force the patient to take wai!:ing exercise and to appl "friction

o the right side of the abdomen. The acute symptoms should 1« foE d by he

n ti";; . "; "/ " r''"' P"^^"*'^'^' "' *" ^^'^^ "f ^P"*"""*!'^' colic, and as he
patient already has been given oil the amount of the saline should be les." than

explore the rectum by han.l, remove its contents and follow by injections

J)i.\ri?H(p:a.

Diarrlm.a is the term applied to that condition in which there is a frequent
passage of hqmd or sem.-liquid f^ces without co-existent inflammation Kay
Ik. a spontaneous effort to discharge from the intestines something that" i«obrx
lous to them and to the system generally. ^

rAi-.sKs.-Any irritant in the digestive canal mav give rise to the disorder as
coarse or badly saved food, acid plants in the pasture or hay, ind LsS f^^
sudden changes of diet, particularly from a dry to a moist one, mSnal di-
stances, parasites, derangement of the liver, foreign matters in theTnte ti^e etc
W,mes when an animal is turned out on grass, after being kep in tritabS
for a considerable time, an attack is noticed. Exposure to cold is also a cause A

where cattle obtain water out of stagnant pools. Sometimes chronic diSa

tranemei;"''""?'r' '"""f*" ''^*'"^' "''^^^^•^ '^^ mucous^mj a„e of
^^.^T 7 '""f ^''""'' organically deranged and its secretory functions
C! 1 ^"^'""**"y surroundings and poor care predispose to the disease

Some animals appear particularly predisposcl and will suffer f>om it from cause;

M

tliHt liHve little or nit tffoct u}H>n othi-rs uiuUt the »«me conditiout*. This i« inor«
murki-d in hornvx than in cattle.

SyMrntMH. — The nyniptunis cannttt readily be nii«taken. There is a more or
k'ci* frequent evacuHtiun of ^'reater or lei's quantities of liquid or semi-liquid faeccft.
In the early gtagei* the tem|ierature, pulde and rc><pirationii remain practically
normal. The appetite uxually becomes lessened and rumination irregulai. In
some canes the appetite Uvomes capricious. The symptonw vary greatly according
to the severity and duration of the attack. In many cases, even though the early
syui, items may have been well marked, u s|)ontaneous cure results in a few hours,
wh''» in others, acute diarrhwa continues. In the latter cases the ap|)etitc becomes
g.t-atly diminished t>r alt<i>;ether suspended, rumination is materially interfered
with, but thirst is usually excessive. The animal loses strength quickly, the pulse
iK-comes weak ami frequent, tl.i- 'jeneral debility l)ecome8 well marked. In other
cases a form of chronic diarrh(ca, without alarming symptoms continues for a long
tin>e, the patient gradually but surely losing flesh, ambition and strength. The
evacuations frequently 1 avc a foul odor, but this is not always the case, t'.'ses of
long continued chronic (ii.irrha?a sometimes result in a disease known as dysentery,
which we will discuss later on.

Theatmknt. — First remove the cause, if possible. In many cases if the cause
can Ih" liK-ated and removed, am' the animal well cared for and carefully fed, no
other treatment is necessary and a recovery will take place in a few ihiya. I'pon
the assumption that all cases are due to an irritant in the intestines, which must be
removed before a cure can result, some claim that the first treatment in all cases
should l;e administration of a brisk purgative in order to ftill further increase the
activity of the bowels, and cau-e the removal of the irritant. Our experience has
taught us that in advanced cases where appetite is materially lessened or wholly
suspended, and the animal shows well marked signs of weakness, an>' practically in
all cases of acute diarrhooa in quite young or weakly animals, this practice is
unwise. It often proves fatal in cases that might have recovered had less heroic
treatment been given. In cases where the patient is still strong with a fair
appetite, even though diarrhoea be acute, it is good practice to administer a laxative
as 1 to 2 pts. of raw linseed oil (according to the size of the patient), but we do
not consider it good practice to administer a drastic purgative in any case. When
a laxative or purgative is administered no treatment to check the diarrhoea should
be given for twenty-four hours in order to allow the medicine already given to
establish its action. In cases where it is not considered wise to administer a
laxative, or in other cases where one has been given and diarrhoea continues beyond
twenty-four hours after its administration, means of checking it should be adopted,
as the administration of 1 to 2 fluid ozs. of laudanum and 2 to 4 drs. each of
powdered catechu and prepared chalk in a quart of cold water as a drench every
four or five hours until diarrhoea ceases. In addition to this add to the drinking
water one-quarter of its bulk of lime-water : give a little at a time and often, as a
gallon every hour if the patient will take it. The food should be of a dry nature,
as hay or grain. In cases where weakness is well marked and appetite gone,
stimulants and nutrients as 2 fluid ozs. of sweet spirits of nitre or ,a oupfv.l of
whiskey mixed with milk and a few raw eggs may be given as a drench

hours.

every

8<

DYSENTERY.

Dysentery, commonly called " bloody flux," is the inflammation of the lining
membrane of the intestines, accompanied by ulceration. It occurs as a sequel to
protracted diarrha'a, or may originate as a disease of itself from exposure to cold,
feeding on coarse innutritions food, and almost any debilitating influence which
acts slowly but persistently. It may occur as an after-effect of poisonous agents.

Symptoms. — In some cases the disease is acute, but is more often chronic. In
acute cases there is increase in temperature and more or less well marked abdominal
pains in the early stages. The patient stands with arched hack and strains almost
constantly, passing only a small amount of watery matter tinged with bloo(!
Sometimes little vesicles or blisters may he seen on the mucous membrane of th
nostrils. As the disease advances signs of abdominal pain increase in intensif,
rapid emaciation takes place and the patient sinks and dies from exhaustion.

In tlie chronic form tl>e symptoms are those of cxtrcnie <lel>ility. Tlie patient
becomes hide-bound, emaciation is generally soon well marked, the coat is dry and
staring, the mucous membranes become pale, eyes sunken, ears pendulous, the
anus is relaxed and constantly discharging small quantities of a bloody substance,
and the rectum generally protrudes a little. The back is arched, the gait is stag-
gering, and in many cases pressure upon the loins appears to cause pain. When
ffPces are passed in quantity the odor is highly offensive, and they are glairy, bloody
and viscid in consequence of the amount of mucous j)resent. ' The animal may
remain in this state for a long period, with the appetite almost gone l)ut thirst
sometimes excessive.

When at length death occurs or the patient is slaughtered, a post mortem often
reveals that the stomach as well as the intestines have been involved. The fourth
stomacli has its lining niemiiraiie reddened, with a g.'Jatinniis effusion info \\-
substance and into the sub-mucous tissue. The small intestines are sometimes
somewhat similarly affected, but not infrequently present only a slight congestion
of the mucous membrane. The large intestines are usually the main seat of the
disorder. They show highly congested spots, and congestive streaking giving tiiem
a bluish color, ulcerations are also generally present, penetrating the mucous coat
more or less deeply. The contents have an offensive smell and are tinged with
blood.

Treatmen't.— This is often very unsatisfactory, which jjcrhaps is due to tlie
fact that the diseased mucous membrane of the intestines is in such a state that
absorption of medicines cannot readily take place. Treatment should be largely
that recommended for acute diarrhea, except that in no case should a purgative or
laxative be administered, even in tlie early stages. Large doses of opium, as
2 drs. of the powdered opium or 2 fluid ozs. of the tincture (laudanum) with 4 drs.
each of catechu and prepared chalk, should be given 3 or 4 times daily. It is good
practice to give astringent injeci...ns per rectum as alum water, 1 oz. of alum to
a gallon of warm water. The patient's strength should be kept up and the heart's
action stimulated i)y the administration of nutrients and stimulants, as a quart of
boiled flaxseed and 2 fluid ozs. of sweet spirits of nitre or ij pt. whiskey every few
hours. Careful nursing is absolutely necessary though some cases are so tedious
that the attendant is liable to become discouraged and inclined to allow matters to
take their own course. The food must be of first-class qualitv, drv and nutriti:.u<.

37

While a larj^n percuiitage of cases prove fatal, even under the ino-it careful and
skilful treatment cases of recovery arc not rare, iieiiee efforts to cure should always
he tidopteil.

ENTKHITIS.

Enteritis, inflanunation of the ImjwcIs is not a very common disease in the ox,
hut is occasionally seen. Either tlic mucous or muscular coat may he primarily
involved, hut the inlhimniation \isually extends and involves all the coats of the
i.'testine involved. This dis<'asc is more frequently seen in working cattle. Adults
ia agh conditions are most liahle.

Causes. — It is due to exposure to rough, cold weather, especially it the animal

las been suhjccted to severe exercise of any nature, and is in a ."itate of perspiration.

^ It may be caused by drinking freely of coiil water when overheated and by cou-

sumption of irritant sul)stances; it also results from the extension of inflammation

of other organs, and may result as a sequel to other diseases of the intestines.

Symi'TOMs. — There are general symptoms of disorder with symptoms of pain
when pressure is made upon the abdomen or over the loins, frequent passage of
snmll quantities of dry fa>ces, and in some cases slight abdominal distension or
bloating. Acute febrile disturbance soon takes place, the temperature rises a few
degrees and the pulse becomes full and frequent. The patient usually stands
obstinately in one place, with muzzle protruded and the hind limbs seeming in-
clined to give way. Thirst is usually excessive, but all inclination for food is lost;
the patient groans, grinds his teeth, looks around to the right flank, and flinches
if the abdomen be pressed. The pain is continuous, which, with acute fever, serves
to distinguish the disease from colicky disorders. In fatal cases, shortly before
death, the patient usually becomes unconscious and falls, moaning continuously.
The passage of fieccs becomes suppressed and a small stream of liquid excrement
is often forced through the hardened mass, by which action the rectum becomes
distended, and that which is voided has a fwtid and putrid odor. Often death
is preceded by cessation of pain, but the animal looks anxious, the extremities are
cold, the pulse very frequent, weak and often imperceptible at the jaw, and the
general temperature gradually falls. This indicates the occurrence of gangrene.
While in the early stages the pulse is strong and frequent it soon loses its strength,
but increases in frequency, and the rectum, when examined by hand, is evidently
much increased in temperature. The torpidity of the bowels is due to cessation of
peristaltic action, as an inflamed muscular coat soon loses its power of contraction.

I'OST MouTKM Ai>i'EAUA.\ci:s. — Soon after death the intestines become filled
with gas. The outer covering is congested, inflamed and gangrenous over the
parts especially involved. The abdominal cavity contains a considerable quantity
of serum. Both small and large intestines are usually involved. The walls of the
intestines are thickened aiul '-ary in color in different parts, from the redness of a
simple congestion to the greenish dark condition of gangrene. There is often
effusion and blood extravasation between the muscular fibres, and the contents of
the bowels are principally blood and mucous.

Treatment. — The animal must be made as comfortable as possible and care-
fully nursed. Rugs or blankets wrung out of hot water should be kept to the
abdomen. The contents of the rectum should be removed by hand and followed
by the injection of warm soapy water. Purgatives must be avoided, as the

88

muscular coats of the intestines have become inactive; lience tln-y will simply
irritate, not being able to cause any action. In the early sta,:,'es, when the j)ulse
is full and strong, the abstraction of G to 8 qts. of blood from the jugular vein is
good practice, but blood-letting cannot be tolerated after the pulse begins to lose
its force.

Largo doses of opium should be administered, as 2 to 3 drs. of powdered opium
in a pint of cold water as a drench every two or three hours. The thirst should
be relieved by giving water with a little saltpetre dissolved in it in small quan ities
and often.

CONTENTS

DiSEASEN OF Digestive Oroaxs of Hobses:

Chronic Indigestion g

Acute Indigestion ^

Constipation g

Impaction of tlie Colon g

Spasmodic Colic n

Flatulent Colic 13

Intussusception (Intestinal Indigestion) 14

Volvulus or Twisted Bowel 15

Enteritis (Inflammation of the Bowels) Ig

Diarrhoea . . lY

Superpurgation (Over Action of Purgatives) 19

Azoturia (Paralysis caused by Faulty Feeding) 21

Diseases of Digestive Oboans of Cattle:

Tympanitis or Bloating 26

Impaction of the Rumen (First Stomach) .'i 28

Fardel Bound (Impaction of Third Stomach) 29

Choking gi

Colic 33

Flatulent Colic 34

Diarrhoea 34

Dysentery 3g

Enteritis (Inflammation of the Bowels) 37

if

LIST OF BULLETINS

PUBLUHD IT THB ONTABIO DVASTlUlfT OF AOBIODLTUn, T'niOllTO.

Atailaii^ at Datx or Ibblx or Latest Bcluetin.

PI
f

SeriAl

No.

188 Feb.

166 iUr

164 March

167 Oct
170 March
174 Dm.
176 Dee.
184 Nof.

187 JVL

188 ApHl
195 Jan.
198 Feb.
205 S^t

209 March

211 March

213 April

216 Oct

218 Dee.

219 Jan.

221 April

222 April

223 May

224 Sept
226 Dec
226 Dee.
287 Jan.

229 Feb.

230 March

231 April
283 April

237 March

238 Mt7
289 May

240 June

241 July

242 Dec.
248 Dee.
244 Dee.
246 Dec.

246 Jan.

247 April

248 April

249 May

260 July

261 July
252 July
268 Ang.
254 Aof.

256 Cot
266 Oct

257 Dee.
JS8 Jan.

259 Feb.

260 Feib.

261 Mar.

262 Mar

263 June

264 July

„ Title.

1905 The Composition of Ontario Feeding StuCi.

1907 Tillage and Rotation.

1908 Legume Bacteria.

1908 Mitchell-Walker Moisture Test.

1909 Mitchell-Walker Test Bottle.

1999 Farm Underdrainage: Does It PayT

1909 Farm Drainage Operation!.

1910 Uses ot Vegetables, Fruits and Honey.

1911. . . . • -The Codling Moth.

1911 Weeds of Ontario (No. 128, revised).

1919 Insecticides and Fungicides (No. 164 revised).

1912 Lime43ulphur Wash.

1918.... Dairy School Bulletin (No. 172 revised).

..Part I. Cheese-making and Butter-making In Factories.
1913 ...-•Farm Forestry (No. 155 revised).
1918!!..-FruitB Recommended for OnUrio Planters.

1919*. Bee Diseases In Ontario.

191 J Box Packing of Apples.

1913..^ -Birds of Ontario (No. 173 revised).
1914.. M ' The San Josfe arid Oyster-Shell Srales.
1914.... Food Value of MIk and Its Products.

1914 Currants and Gioseborrles.

1914 Fertilizers.

1914.... .Greenhouse Construction.

1914 Swine.

1914..«- -Plum Culture in Ontario.

1915 Cherry Fruit-Flies.

1916 Smuts and RusU of Grain Crop*.

1916 The Cherry in Ontario.

1915 Vegetable Growing.

1915 Field Beans.

1916 The Grape in Ontario.

1916...... Lime and Its Use in Ai^rlculture.

1916 Potatoes.

1916 Bacterial Diseases of Vegetable*.

1916 Peach Growing in OnUrio.

1915 Diseased Mouths a Cause ot Ill-health.

1916 Nature Study, or Stories in Agriculture.

1916 HlnU for Settlers in Northern Ontario.

1916 Food Values.

1917 Suggestions on Feeding Stock.

1917...... Farm Poultry (No. 217 revised).

1917 Pruning.

1917 The Pear in Ontario.

1917.. -..Insects Attacking Fruit Trees.

1917 Insects AtUcking Vegetables.

1917..^. ..The Preservation of Food: Home Canning.

1917 Dairy Cattle.

1917 War Bread*

1917 Tab<>''*.ulosls ot Poultry In Ontario.

1917 Wintering Bees in Ontario.

1917 Diseases of Fruit Tr<»«e.

1918 Diseases of Vegetables.

1918 Bcnks on Agriculture and Household Science.

1918 Cooperative Bxperliments with Farm Crops.

1918 Wheat and Rye.

1918 Sugar Beets.

"' "18 Mushrooms.

1918 Diseases of Digestive Organs of Horses and Cattle.