Special Report on Diseases of the HorseUnited States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Science
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse
United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Horses -- Diseases
_Paralysis of the intestine._--This occurs in old, debilitated animals
that have been fed on coarse, innutritious fodder. This produces a
condition of dilatation so pronounced as to make it impossible for the
intestine to advance its contents, and so obstruction results. The
symptoms are as in other forms of obstruction colic. The history of the
case is of much service in diagnosing the trouble. The treatment
consists in the administration of laxatives. One may give 1 quart of raw
linseed oil and follow it the next day with 1 pound of Glauber's salt
dissolved in a quart of warm water. Strychnia may be given in doses of 1
grain two or three times daily. If the stagnant mass of feces is in the
rectum, it must be removed with the hand.
_Abnormal growths_, such as tumors or fibrous tissue, producing
contraction or stricture, may be causes of obstruction. The colic caused
by these conditions is chronic. The attacks occur at gradually
shortening intervals and become progressively more severe. Relief is
afforded by the use of purgatives that render the feces soft and thin
and thus enable them to pass the obstruction, but in time the contracted
place is liable to close so far that passage is impossible and the horse
will die.
FLATULENT COLIC (TYMPANITIC COLIC, WIND COLIC, OR BLOAT).--Among the
most frequent causes of this form of colic are to be mentioned sudden
changes of feed, too long fasting and feed then given while the animal
is exhausted, new hay or grain, large quantities of feed that is green
or that has lain in the manger for some time and become sour,
indigestible feed, irregular teeth, crib biting, and, in fact, anything
that produces indigestion may produce flatulent colic.
_Symptoms._--The symptoms of wind colic are not so suddenly developed
nor so severe as those of cramp colic. At first the horse is noticed to
be dull, paws slightly, and may or may not lie down. The pains from the
start are continuous. The belly enlarges, and by striking it in front of
the haunches a drumlike sound results. If not soon relieved the above
symptoms are aggravated, and in addition difficult breathing, bloodshot
eyes, and red mucous membranes, loud tumultuous heart beat, profuse
perspiration, trembling of front legs, sighing respiration, staggering
from side to side are noticed, and, finally, plunging forward dead. The
diagnostic symptom of flatulent colic is the distention of the bowels
with gas, detected by the bloated appearance and resonance on
percussion.
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