—Failure to digest food with abdominal pains and indisposition resulting. Bad food and improper management are back of the trouble in most instances. Mild cases require no treatment. A light, laxative diet is desirable for stubborn cases. If possible turn the animals on fresh grass. Jamaica ginger is generally prescribed for indigestion. Give 8 tablespoonfuls in a pint of warm water three times a day as a drench. Follow this with condition powders, or some good digestive tonic. After recovery see that the diet is varied and that laxative and succulent foods are supplied.
INFECTIOUS PNEUMONIA.
—As the name indicates, this is an infectious trouble frequently extending over considerable areas and occurs among both horses and cattle. It is very similar in its action to ordinary pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs. However, it does not seem to be so acute in its action. The same treatment is applied to cases of this kind as to ordinary pneumonia. When its presence becomes known, it is wise to remove all healthy animals to some other quarters. This lessens the danger of infection to healthy animals. After the disease has run its course, remove all litter and manure from the stables, thoroughly air out, admit as much sunlight as possible, and disinfect all walls and floors. A coat of whitewash on the ceiling and walls is desirable. The floors should be literally wet with disinfectant fluid, which should be admitted to all cracks and open spaces.
INFECTIOUS ANEMIA IN HORSES.
—See [Swamp Fever].
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.
—Sometimes this disease is called enteritis. It frequently follows severe cases of colic. It is the result of inflammation caused by indigestible material lodging in the stomach and intestines of animals. It may, however, result from other things that irritate the bowels. When first noticed, a general depression prevails, with signs of pain in the bowels; breathing is quickened and frequently a chill shows itself. The horse acts very much as if he had a case of colic. As the disease progresses the pain increases and the pulse rises. In a few hours the pain becomes very severe and the animal is in great agony all over; he breathes heavy, the legs and ears are cold and clammy and the pulse very high. In severe cases the pulse reaches to 100 and 105 beats a minute. The horse now is very ill indeed. He shows great weakness. It is very unlikely that he will survive more than a day or two. The disease usually runs from ten to fifteen hours, and unless there is a change for the better, death results.
When far advanced there is little likelihood of successful treatment. Success lies only in early work, taking the disease in time. A satisfactory drench is made of 4 tablespoonfuls of tincture of laudanum, 10 to 15 drops of tincture of aconite, 1 tablespoonful of common soda, and 1 tablespoonful of ginger. These are mixed in a pint of warm water and given as a drench. Repeat this every hour until the animal gets relief. A mustard plaster gives relief when applied to the belly. A physic is not considered advisable, as it increases the inflammation—just what is not wanted at all.
The most rational treatment consists in allaying the pain. Opium in teaspoonful doses every hour until the pain is relieved is helpful. Some veterinary practitioners use 10 grains of morphia and 4 tablespoonfuls of chloral hydrate in syrup and water for each dose. This dose is repeated every two or three hours until the symptoms abate.
The diet should be carefully watched in diseases of this kind. Bran mashes made with linseed tea or slippery elm bark are suitable. Boiled food is better than uncooked food. Good water frequently and in small quantities is desirable. Skimmed milk is excellent and may be fed for a week or two at a time. This food often effects a cure without any other aid.