eding, 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 select