SPASMODIC COLIC.
Cause.—Horses seem to be predisposed to this form of colic on account of the great length of their intestines which are apt to be telescoped, twisted or their circular muscular fibers spasmodically contracted. Perhaps the principal cause is a change of food, sudden change of temperature, constipation, drinking cold or too large a quantity of water, especially if the animal is warm; overloading the stomach with frozen or mouldy food. Worms frequently produce colic.
Symptoms.—If the animal is tied it will become uneasy, paw, point its nose to the flank, twitch the tail, lie down and get up frequently. If the animal is loose it will walk around, paw, kick at its belly with the hind feet, make attempts to lie down, roll on its back and remain in that position for a while. The pulse increases with the pain, temperature rises from one-half to one degree, breathing labored and fast, the animal sweats in spots, there may be diarrhoea present, but this does not frequently occur.
Unfavorable symptoms of spasmodic colic are cold legs to the feet, points of the ears cold, trembling of the muscles, cold sweats, mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes have a dark color due to the congestion.
Treatment.—In all cases of spasmodic colic, except where there is diarrhoea present or mares heavily in foal, give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams. Place in gelatine capsule and give with capsule gun. It is advisable to give rectal injection of Warm Water and Glycerine. They are soothing and cooling to the intestinal canal. Also give the following prescription: Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Carbonate of Ammonia, four ounces; Asafoetida, four ounces. Make into six powders; place one powder in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every two hours until relieved. The former prescription removes the cause as it is a physic. The latter contains medicines blended so as to counteract the spasmodic contractions of the bowels. It is also a heart stimulant, just what is needed in colic to keep up the animal’s vitality. Beware of colic remedies that are given in drop doses. They contain drugs to relieve the pain only and do not remove the cause. When their effects are worn off, the disease has progressed; the animal’s heart action has been weakened and chances are that the animal will die. If drenching is resorted to, it must be done with great precaution. Remember a horse cannot breathe through its mouth.