DIARRHEA 181 



Diagnosis. This is established mainly by determining the 

 cause. The history of the case is of great service in this 

 regard. A thorough examination of the animal and feces 

 is necessary for a differential diagnosis to distinguish this 

 condition from specific diseases of the bowels. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is favorable in most cases but 

 depends largely upon the cause. Diarrhea is a symptom and 

 not a disease. Until the cause is determined an accurate 

 prognosis cannot be made. 



Treatment. Dietetic. All food should be withheld for at 

 least twenty-four to forty-eight hours, especially where but 

 little weakness or prostration is apparent. Should weakness 

 develop small amounts of milk, or milk and egg beaten 

 together, should be given every four to six hours. Later 

 when the symptoms of diarrhea begin to disappear a little 

 lean meat may be allowed. Cats may have small quantities 

 of rice and milk, or salmon. Birds should be allowed only 

 small quantities of oatmeal or seeds. Avoid the use of laxa- 

 tive foods, or foods containing irritating material of any kind. 



Medical. The first indication in the treatment of diarrhea 

 is the evacuation of the irritating material from the intestinal 

 tract. In a large percentage of cases the spontaneous evacua- 

 tions are sufficient to rid the bowels of this material. How- 

 ever, as a general rule, it is advisable to assist nature by the 

 administration of a laxative to ensure the prompt removal 

 of all irritating ingesta. Castor oil (dogs, 15.0-40.0; cats, 

 5.0-10.0; rabbits and birds, 1.0-4.0) is valuable. After thor- 

 ough evacuation of the bowels opiates are indicated to con- 

 trol the excessive peristalsis and secretions. Useful is tinct- 

 ure of opium (dogs, 0.5-1.0; cats, 0.2-0.5; rabbits, 0.2-0.5; 

 birds, 0.1-0.2). These doses can be repeated every few hours 

 if necessary. 



Small doses of lime water are of value to neutralize exces- 

 sive acidity which is often a common condition in small 

 animals. 



Where severe pain is present, which is rather common in 

 the dog, small doses of morphin sulphate (0.05-0.10) may be 

 given subcutaneously. 



Where the diarrhea becomes persistent, it should be treated 

 as in acute or chronic enteritis. 



