estine. 12. Floating colon. 13. Rectum. 14. Anus. 15. Left
kidney and its ureter. 16. Bladder. 17. Urethra.]

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS.

By CH. B. MICHENER, V. S.

[Revised by John R. Mohler, V. M. D.]

It is not an easy task to write "a plain account of the common diseases,
with directions for preventive measures, hygienic care, and the simpler
forms of medical treatment," of the digestive organs of the horse. Being
limited as to space, the endeavor has been made to give simply an
outline--to state the most important facts--leaving many gaps, and
continually checking the disposition to write anything like a full
description as to cause, prevention, and modes of treatment of diseases.

WATER.

It is generally held, at least in practice, that any water that stock
can be induced to drink is sufficiently pure for their use. This
practice occasions losses that would startle us if statistics were at
hand. Water that is impure from the presence of decomposing organic
matter, such as is found in wells and ponds in close proximity to manure
heaps and cesspools, is frequently the cause of diarrhea, dysentery, and
many other diseases of stock, while water that is impregnated with
different poisons and contaminated in very many instances with specific
media of contagion produces death.

Considering first the quantity of water required by the horse, it may be
stated that when our animals have access to water continually they never
drink to excess. Were the horse subjected to ship voyages or any other
circumstances where he must depend upon his attendant for the supply of
water, it may be roughly stated that he requires a daily average of
about 8 gallons of water. This varies somewhat upon the character of his
feed; if upon green feed, less water will be needed than when fed upon
dry hay and grain.

The time of giving water should be carefully studied. At rest, the horse
should receive it at least three times a day; when at work, more
frequently. The rule should be to give it in small quantities and often.
There is a popular fallacy that if a horse is warm he should not be
allowed to drink, many asserting that the first swallow of water
"founders" the animal or produces colic. This is erroneous. No matter
how warm a horse may be, it is always entirely safe to allow him from
six to ten swallows of water. If this is given on going into the
stable, he should have at once a pound or two of hay and allowed to r