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 pe