276 The Diseases of Animals 



CONSTIPATION 



This condition is the opposite of diarrhea ; the 

 bowels do not move as frequently as they should; the 

 feces (dung) are hard and dry, and are often passed 

 with much effort. An animal suffering from constipa- 

 tion is said to be costive, or "bound up." 



Constipation is usually due to bad food, improper 

 feeding, lack of exercise or of sufficient water, and in 

 some cases to deficient secretion of digestive fluids. 

 Constipation is frequently associated with other dis- 

 orders, especially with diseases of the lungs; under 

 these circumstances no special treatment is needed, as 

 the bowels will return to their normal condition when 

 the other disease is cured. 



Unless the case is severe and persistent, violent 

 purgatives should not be used. Better results follow 

 the use of laxative foods, such as thin bran mashes, 

 fresh grass and linseed gruels, combined with moderate 

 exercise. Enemas of warm, soapy water or warm water 

 and glycerine should be injected to empty the bowels. 

 Small doses of castor -oil and raw linseed -oil are good. 

 In cattle and sheep, Epsom salts is usually sufficient. 

 In cases of chronic constipation, the following tonic for 

 the bowels is to be recommended: 



Pulverized ginger root 2 ounces 



Pulverized nux vomica seed 2 ounces 



Pulverized gentian root 2 ounces 



Sulfur 2 ounces 



Common salt 8 ounces 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful in the food 

 three times daily. 



