termed "colic," and many are the remedies that are reputed to be "sure
cures" for this disease. Let us discover, then, what the word "colic"
means. This term is applied loosely to almost all diseases of the organs
of the abdomen that are accompanied with pain. If the horse evinces
abdominal pain, he probably will be considered as suffering with colic,
no matter whether the difficulty is a cramp of the bowel, an internal
hernia, overloading of the stomach, or a painful disease of the bladder
or liver. Since these conditions differ so much in their causation and
their nature, it is manifestly absurd to treat them alike and to expect
the same drugs or procedures to relieve them all. Therefore, it is
important that, so far as possible, the various diseased states that are
so roughly classed together as colic shall be separated and
individualized in order that appropriate treatments may be prescribed.
With this object in view, colics will be considered under the following
headings: (1) Engorgement colic, (2) obstruction colic, (3) flatulent or
tympanitic colic, (4) spasmodic colic. Worm colic is discussed under the
heading "Gastrointestinal parasites," page 90.
The general symptoms of abdominal pain, and therefore of colic, are
restlessness, cessation of whatever the horse is about, lying down,
looking around toward the flank, kicking with the hind feet upward and
forward toward the belly, jerky switching of the tail, stretching as
though to urinate, frequent change of position, and groaning. In the
more intense forms the horse plunges about, throws himself, rolls,
assumes unnatural positions, as sitting on the haunches, and grunts
loudly. Usually the pain is not constant, and during the intermissions
the horse may eat and appear normal. During the period of pain sweat is
poured out freely. Sometimes the horse moves constantly in a circle. The
respirations are accelerated, and usually there is no fever.
ENGORGEMENT COLIC.--This form of colic consists in an overloading of the
stomach with feed. The horse may have been overfed or the feed may have
collected in the stomach through failure of this organ to digest it and
pass it backward into the intestines. Even a normal quantity of feed
that the horse is unaccustomed to may cause disease. Hence a sudden
change of feed may produce engorgement colic. Continued full rations
while the horse is resting for a day or two or working too soon after
feeding may serve as a cause. New oats, corn, or hay, damaged feed, or
that which is difficult of digestion, such as barley or beans, may
incite engorgement colic. This disease may result from having fed the
horse twice by error or from its having escaped and taken an
unrestricted meal from the grain bin. Ground feeds that pack together,
making a sort of dough, may cause engorgement colic if they are not
mixed with cut hay. Greedy eaters are predisposed to this disease.
_Symptoms._--The horse shows the general signs of abdominal pain, which
may be long continued or of short duration. Retching or vomiting
movements are made; these are shown by labored breathing, upturned upper
lip, contraction of the flank, active motion at the throat, and drawing
in of the nose toward the breast, causing high arching of the neck. The
horse may assume a sitting position like a dog. At times the pain is
very great and the horse makes the most violent movements, as though
mad. At other times there is profound mental depression, the horse
standing in a sleepy, or dazed, way, with the head down, the eyes
closed, and leaning his head against the manger or wall. There is,
during the struggles, profuse perspiration. Following retching, gas may
escape from the mouth, and this may be followed by a sour froth and some
stomach contents. The horse can not vomit except when the stomach is
violently stretched, and, if the accumulation of feed or gas is great
enough to stretch the stomach so that vomiting is possible, it may be
great enough to rupture that organ. So it happens not infrequently that
a horse dies from ruptured stomach after vomiting. After the stomach
ruptures, however, vomiting is impossible. The death rate in this form
of colic is high.
_Treatment._--The bowels should be stimulated to contraction by the use
of clysters of large quantities of water and of glycerin. Veterinarians
use hypodermic injections of eserin or arecolin or intravenous
injections of barium chlorid, but they must be employed with great
caution. It is not profitable to give remedies by the stomach, for they
can not be absorbed. But small doses of morphin (5 grains) or of the
fluid extract of Indian hemp (2 drams) may be placed in the mouth and
are absorbed in part, at least, without passing to the stomach. These
drugs lessen pain and thus help to overcome the violent movements that
are dangerous, because they may be the means of causing rupture of the
diaphragm or stomach. If facilities are available, relief may be
afforded by passing an esophageal tube through which some of the gaseous
and liquid contents of the stomach may escape.
_Rupture of the stomach._--This mostly occurs as a result of engorged or
tympanitic stomach (engorgement colic) and from the horse violently
throwing himself when so affected. It may result from disease of the
coats of the stomach, gastritis, stones (calculi), tumors, or anything
that closes the opening of the stomach into the intestines, and very
violent pulling or jumping immediately after the animal has eaten
heartily of bulky feed. These or similar causes may lead this accident.
The symptoms of rupture of the stomach are not constant or always
reliable. Always make inquiry as to what and how much the horse has been
fed at the last meal. Vomiting may precede rupture of this organ, as
stated above. This accident appears to be most liable to occur in heavy
draft horses. A prominent symptom observed (though it may also occur in
diaphragmatic hernia) is when the horse, if possible, gets the front
feet on higher ground than the hind ones or sits on his haunches, like a
dog. This position affords relief to some extent, and it will be
maintained for several minutes; it is also quickly regained when the
horse has changed it for some other. Colicky symptoms, of course, are
present, which vary much and present no diagnostic value. As the case
progresses the horse will often stretch forward the fore legs, lean
backward and downward until the belly nearly touches the ground, and
then rise up again with a groan, after which the fluid from his nostrils
is issued in increased quantity. The pulse is fast and weak, breathing
hurried, body bathed in a clammy sweat, limbs tremble violently, the
horse reels or staggers from side to side, and death quickly ends the
scene.
In the absence of any pathognomonic symptom we must consider the history
of the case; the symptoms of colic that cease suddenly and are succeeded
by cold sweats and tremors; the pulse quick and small and thready,
growing weak and more frequent, and at length running down and becoming
altogether imperceptible; looking back at the flank and groaning;
sometimes crouching with the hind quarters; with or without eructation
and vomiting.
There is no treatment that can be of any use whatever. Could we be sure
of our diagnosis it would be better to destroy the animal at once.
Since, however, there is always the possibility of a mistake in
diagnosis, we may give powdered opium in 1-dram doses every two or three
hours, with the object of keeping the stomach as quiet as possible.
OBSTRUCTION COLIC.--The stomach or bowels may be obstructed by
accumulations of partly digested feed (fecal matter), by foreign bodies,
by displacements, by paralysis, or by abnormal growths.
_Impaction of the large intestines._--This is a very common bowel
trouble and one which, if not promptly recognized and properly treated,
results in death. It is caused by overfeeding, especially of bulky feed
containing an excess of indigestible residue; old, dry, hard hay, or
stalks when largely fed; deficiency of secretions of the intestinal
tracts; lack of water; want of exercise, medicines, etc.
Impaction of the large bowels is to be diagnosed by a slight abdominal
pain, which may disappear for a day or two to reappear with more
violence. The feces are passed somewhat more frequently, but in smaller
quantities and drier; the abdomen is full, but not distended with gas;
the horse at first is noticed to paw and soon begins to look back at his
sides. Probably one of the most characteristic symptoms is the position
assumed when down. He lies flat on his side, head and legs extended,
occasionally raising his head to look toward his flank; he remains on
his side for from five to fifteen minutes at a time. Evidently this
position is the one giving the most freedom from pain. He rises at
times, walks about the stall, paws, looks at his sides, backs up against
the stall, which he presses with his tail, and soon lies down again,
assuming his favored position. The intestinal sounds, as heard by
applying the ear to the flank, are diminished, or there is no sound,
indicating absence of motion of the bowels. The bowels may cease
entirely to move. The pressure of the distended intestine upon the
bladder may cause the horse to make frequent attempts to urinate. The
pulse is but little changed at first, being full and sluggish; later, if
this condition is not overcome, it becomes rapid and feeble. Horses may
suffer from impaction of the bowels for a week, yet eventually recover,
and cases extending two or even three weeks have ended favorably. As a
rule, however, they seldom last more than four or five days, many, in
fact, dying sooner than this.
The treatment consists of efforts to produce movement of the bowels and
to prevent inflammation of the same from arising. A large cathartic is
to be given as early as possible. Either of the following is
recommended: Powdered Barbados aloes 1 ounce, calomel 2 drams, and
powdered nux vomica 1 dram; or linseed oil 1 pint and croton oil 15
drops; or from 1 pint to 1 quart of castor oil may be given. Some favor
the administration of Epsom or Glauber's salt, 1 pound, with one-quarter
pound of common salt, claiming that this causes the horse to drink
largely of water, thus mechanically softening the impacted mass and
favoring its expulsion. Whichever physic is selected, it is essential
that a full dose be given. This is much better than small and repeated
doses. It must be borne in mind that horses require about twenty-four
hours in which to respond to a physic, and under no circumstances is it
to be repeated sooner. If aloes has been given and has failed to operate
at the proper time, oil or some different cathartic should then be
administered. Allow the horse all the water he will drink. Calomel may
be administered in half-dram doses, the powder being placed on the
tongue, one dose every two hours until four doses are given.
Enemas of glycerin, 2 to 4 ounces, are often beneficial. Rubbing or
kneading of the abdominal walls and the application of stimulating
liniments or strong mustard water also, at times, favor the expulsion of
this mass. Walking exercise must occasionally be given. If this
treatment is faithfully carried out from the start the majority of cases
will terminate favorably. When relief is not obtained inflammation of
the bowels may ensue and cause death.
_Constipation, or costiveness._--This is often witnessed in the horse,
and particularly in the foal. Many colts die every year from failure on
the part of the attendant to note the condition of the bowels soon after
birth. Whenever the foal fails to pass any feces, and in particular if
it presents any signs of colicky pains--straining, etc.--immediate
attention must be given it. As a rule, it will be necessary only to give
a few injections of soapy water in the rectum and to introduce the
finger through the anus to break down any hardened mass of dung found
there. If this is not effective a purgative must be given. Oils are the
best for these young animals, and preferably castor oil, giving from 2
to 4 ounces. The foal should always get the first of the mother's milk,
which, for a few days, possesses decidedly laxative properties. If a
mare, while suckling, is taking laudanum, morphin, atropia, or similar
medicines, the foal during this time should be fed by hand and the mare
milked upon the ground. Constipation in adult horses is often the result
of long feeding on dry, innutritious feed, deficiency of intestinal
secretions, scanty water supply, or lack of exercise. If the case is not
complicated with colicky symptoms a change to light, sloppy diet,
linseed gruel or tea, with plenty of exercise, is all that is required.
If colic exists a cathartic is needed. In very many instances the
constipated condition of the bowels is due to lack of intestinal
secretions, and when so caused may be treated by giving fluid extract of
belladonna in 2-dram doses three times a day and handful doses of Epsom
salt daily in the feed. It is always best, when possible, to overcome
this trouble by a change of diet rather than by the use of medicines.
For the relief of constipation such succulent feeds as roots, grass, or
green forage are recommended. Silage, however, should be fed sparingly,
and not at all unless it is in the very best condition. Moldy silage may
cause fatal disease.
_Foreign bodies (calculi, stones) in the stomach._--There are probably
but few symptoms exhibited by the horse that will lead one to suspect
the presence of gastric calculi, and possibly none by which we can
unmistakably assert their presence. They have been found most frequently
in millers' horses fed sweepings from the mills. A depraved and
capricious appetite is common in horses that have a stone forming in the
stomachs. There is a disposition to eat the woodwork of the stable,
earth, and, in fact, almost any substance within their reach. This
symptom must not, however, be considered as pathognomonic, since it is
observed when calculi are not present. Occasional colics may result from
these "stomach stones," and when the latter lodge at the outlet of the
stomach they may give rise to symptoms of engorged stomach, already
described. There is, of course, no treatment that will prove effective.
Remedies to move the bowels, to relieve pain, and to combat inflammation
should be given.
_Intestinal concretions (calculi or stones in the intestines)._--These
concretions are usually found in the large bowels, though they are
occasionally seen in the small intestines. They are of various sizes,
weighing from 1 ounce to 25 pounds; they may be single or multiple, and
differ in composition and appearance, some being soft (composed mostly
of animal or vegetable matter), while others are porous, or honeycombed
(consisting of animal and mineral matter), and others are entirely hard
and stonelike. The hair balls, so common to the stomach and intestines
of cattle, are very rare in horses. Intestinal calculi form around some
foreign body, as a rule--a nail or piece of wood--whose shape they may
assume to a certain extent. Layers are arranged concentrically around
such nucleus until the sizes above spoken of are attained. These stones
are also often found in millers' horses, as well also as in horses in
limestone districts, where the water is hard. When the calculi attain a
sufficient size and become lodged or blocked in some part of the
intestines, they cause obstruction, inflammation of the bowels, colicky
symptoms, and death. There are no certain signs or symptoms that reveal
them. Recurring colics of the type of impaction colic, but more severe,
may lead one to suspect the existence of this condition. Examination
through the rectum may reveal the calculus.
The symptoms will be those of obstruction of the bowels. Upon
post-mortem examinations these stones will be discovered mostly in the
large bowels; the intestines will be inflamed or gangrenous about the
point of obstruction. Sometimes calculi have been expelled by the action
of a physic, or they may be removed by the hand when found to occupy the
rectum.
As in concretions of the stomach, but little can be done in the way of
treatment more than to overcome spasm (if any exists), and to give
physics with the hope of dislodging the stone or stones and carrying
them on and outward.
_Intussusception, or invagination._--This is the slipping of a portion
of the intestine into another portion immediately adjoining, like a
partially turned glove finger. This may occur at any part of the bowels,
but is most frequent in the small guts. The invaginated portion may be
slight--2 or 3 inches only--or extensive, measuring as many feet. In
intussusception, the inturned bowel is in the direction of the anus.
There are adhesions of the intestines at this point, congestion,
inflammation, or even gangrene. This accident is most liable to occur in
horses that are suffering from spasm of the bowel, or in those in which
a small portion of the gut is paralyzed. The natural wormlike or
ringlike contraction of the gut favors the passage of the contracted or
paralyzed portion into that immediately behind it. It may occur during
the existence of almost any abdominal trouble, as diarrhea, inflammation
of the bowels, or from injuries, exposure to cold, etc. A fall or
leaping may give the initial maldirection. Foals are most likely to be
thus afflicted.
Unless the invaginated portion of the gut becomes strangulated, probably
no symptoms except constipation will be appreciable. Strangulation of
the bowel may take place suddenly, and the horse die within 24 hours, or
it may occur after several days--a week even--and death then follow.
There are no symptoms positively diagnostic. Colicky pains, more or less
severe and continuous, are observed, and at first there may be diarrhea,
followed by constipation. Severe straining occurs in some instances of
intussusception, and when this occurs it should receive due credit. As
death approaches, the horse sweats profusely, sighs, presents an anxious
countenance, the legs and ears become cold, and there is often freedom
from pain immediately before death. In some rare instances he recovers,
even though the invaginated portion of the gut has become strangulated.
In this case the imprisoned portion sloughs away so gradually that a
union has taken place between the intestines at the point where one
portion has slipped into that behind it. The piece sloughing off is
found passed with the manure. Such cases are exceedingly rare.
Nonirritating laxatives, such as castor oil, sweet oil, or calomel in
small doses, should be given. Soft feed and mucilaginous and nourishing
drinks should be given during these attacks. E. Mayhew Michener has
operated successfully on a foal with intussusception by opening the
abdomen and releasing the imprisoned gut.
_Volvulus, gut tie, or twisting of the bowels._--These are the terms
applied to the bowels when twisted or knotted. This accident is rather a
common one, and frequently results from the violent manner in which a
horse throws himself about when attacked by spasmodic colic. The
symptoms are the same as those of intussusception and obstructions of
the bowels; the same directions as to treatment are therefore to be
observed.
_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.
_Treatment._--The treatment for wind colic differs very greatly from
that of cramp colic. Absorbents are of some service, and charcoal may be
given in any quantity. Relaxants and antispasmodics are also beneficial
in this form of colic. Chloral hydrate not only possesses these
qualities, but it also is an antiferment and a pain reliever. It is,
then, particularly well adapted to the treatment of wind colic, and
should be given in the same-sized doses and in the manner directed for
spasmodic colic. Diluted alcohol or whisky may be given, or aromatic
spirits of ammonia in 1-ounce doses at short intervals.
A physic should always be given as early as possible in flatulent colic,
the best being Barbados aloes in the dose already mentioned. Injections,
per rectum, of turpentine 1 to 2 ounces, linseed oil 8 ounces, may be
given frequently to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the bowels and
to favor the escape of wind. Blankets wrung out of hot water do much to
afford relief; they should be renewed every 5 or 10 minutes and covered
with a dry woolen blanket. This form of colic is much more fatal than
cramp colic, and requires prompt and persistent treatment. It is
entirely unsafe to predict the result, some apparently mild attacks
going on to speedy death, while others that at the onset appear to be
very severe yielding rapidly to treatment. No efforts should be spared
until the animal is known to be dead. In these severe cases puncturing
of the bowels in the most prominent (distended) part by means of a small
trocar and cannula or with a needle of a hypodermic syringe, thus
allowing the escape of gas, has often saved life, and such punctures, if
made with a clean, sharp instrument that is not allowed to remain in the
horse too long, are accompanied with little danger and do more to
relieve the patient quickly than any other treatment.
SPASMODIC OR CRAMP COLIC.--This is the name given to that form of colic
produced by contraction, or spasm, of a portion of the small intestines.
It is produced by indigestible feed; large drinks of cold water when the
animal is warm; driving a heated horse through deep streams; cold rains;
drafts of cold air, etc. Unequal distribution of or interference with
the nervous supply here produces cramp of the bowels, the same as
external cramps are produced. Spasmodic colic is much more frequently
met with in high-bred, nervous horses than in coarse, lymphatic ones.