in a condition unfit for the
action of the digestive juices. Working a horse too soon or too hard
after feeding may cause either colic or indigestion. Any condition that
reduces the vitality, such as disease, overwork, poor feed, or lack of
care, may directly bring on indigestion by weakening the digestive
organs.

_Symptoms._--Indigestion is characterized by irregular appetite;
refusing all feed at times, and at others eating ravenously; the
appetite is not only irregular, but is often depraved; there is a
disposition on the part of the horse to eat unusual substances, such as
wood, soiled bedding, or even his own feces; the bowels are irregular
to-day, loose and bad smelling, to-morrow bound; whole grain is often
passed in the feces, and the hay passed in balls or impacted masses,
undergoing but little change; the horse frequently passes considerable
quantities of sour-smelling wind. The animal loses flesh, the skin
presents a hard, dry appearance and seems very tight (hidebound). If the
stomach is very seriously involved, the horse may yawn by stretching
the head forward and upward and by turning the upper lip outward. There
may be more or less colicky pain. In the chronic cases there is mental
depression; the horse is sluggish and dull. The abdomen gradually
becomes small, giving a "tucked up" appearance, or, on the other hand,
it becomes flaccid and pendulous.

_Treatment._--One should commence with the feed--its quality, quantity,
and time of feeding; examine the water supply, and see, besides, that it
is given before feeding; then carefully observe the condition of the
mouth and teeth; and, continuing the observations as best we may,
endeavor to find the seat of the trouble. If the teeth are sharp or
irregular they must be rasped down; if any are decayed they must be
extracted; if indigestion is due to ravenous eating or bolting, the feed
must then be given from a large manger where the grain can be spread and
the horse thus compelled to eat slowly.

Any irritation, such as worms, undigested feed, etc., that is operating
as a cause is to be removed by appropriate treatment, as advised
elsewhere. If there is a tendency to distention of the stomach and
bowels, with gas, during indigestion, the following may be used: Baking
soda, powdered ginger, and powdered gentian, equal parts. These are to
be thoroughly mixed and given in heaping tablespoonful doses, twice a
day, before feeding. This powder is best given by