The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1910-07-21
Coles of Horses and Mules.

Coles OF Horses and Mules.
One of the most common and
alarming diseased conditions occur
| ring in horses and mules is that of
collie. The term is a very loose one,
being generally used to denote any
abdominal pain whatever, and it
may readily be inferred that it there
fore OCCURS in a great variety of di-
seases. It is however only necessary
here to consider it under two heads,
viz, spasmodic collie and collie due to
impaction or obstruction of the
bowels
Spasmodic collie is probably of the
most frequent occurrence and con-
sists of violent contraction of the
muscles of the intestines causing in
tense pain. 1t is usually brought on
by giving large amounts Of cold wa
ter to horse over heated; by expos
ing such horse to chilling rains af-
ter a hard drive; sometimes by CIV
ing a heavy feed of green succulent
feed; and in horses that are predis-
posed to it, a sudden change of diet
may be all that is necessary to
bring an attack on.
The condition is recognized by the
horse suddenly showing symptoms
of intense pain following some of
the causes above mentioned: stamp
ing violently with one hind foot;
looking around at the flanks with an
anxious expression; sweating; lying
down suddenly and rolling in agony,
and with occasional periods of free
dom from pain followed by similar
attacks.
Collie from impaction: as the name
indicates, is condition in which
there is a partial or complete stop
page of the bowels, and may be
brought on by overlooking the
stomach when in a tired-out con-
dition and particularly with dry, in
nutritious feed. A faulty condition
of the teeth may also be "a predis-
posing feature on account of imper-
feet mastication of the food. This
condition is accompanied by consti-
patton and the animal shows evil
dence of a continuous dull pain as
compared with that of spasmodic
colic,. moving stifay, lying down oc-
casionally and gpoaning due to abb
sence of violent movements. 1t also
runs a longer course usually than
spasmodic collie.
While it is always advisable to
consult qualified veterinarian when
possible, this is frequently imprac-
ticable on account of the small num-
Der of veterinarians in this State, and
every horse owner ought to have
some intelligent idea as to how to
recognize and treat the condition.
In spasmodic collie it is evident
that a sedative or narcotic treat
ment should be resorted to in order
to overcome the violent contraction
and relieve the pain. One of the
best remedies is fluid extract of Can
nabis indica, or Indian hemp given
-, 1f civ hI, tho month
This brings on drowsiness and as
a rule by the time the drowsiness
has; worn off the collie has disappear
ed. Another good remedy is chloral
hydrate given in doses of one ounce
dissolved in a pint of water; or If a
hypodermic syringe be available, two
grains of sulphate of morphine may
be dissolved in a little water that has
been boiled and allowed to cool and
injected under the Skin.
With impaction collie, entirely diff
ferent remedies are needed, the OBJ
ject being to unload the intestines of
the offending material. For this
purpose five drams of aloes dissolv-
ed in a quart of hot water and con-
bined with one ounce of oil of tur-
pentine and one dram Of fluid extract
of nux vomica may be given or if
this is not conveniently at hand, one
and a half pints of linseed oil may
be given, and if there is evidence of
much pain three drains Of canabis
indica may also be given. Copious
rectal injections of soap suds are
beneficial also. These remedies will
usually suffice, but if more drastic
treatment is necessary it should be
entrusted to a veterinarian.
Much can be done in the way of
prevention and by referring to the
causes mentioned the methods of pre-
vention will suggest themselves.