DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 63 



Colic. 



Colic is a pain that originates in the walls of the intestines. It is prop- 

 erly but a symptom of the many abdominal diseases; its importance and 

 frequent appearance among dogs however warrants its classification as a 

 distinct disease. Among animals an attack of colic has especial signifi- 

 cance from the fact that inflammation is prone to speedily follow it. 



Puppies are especially liable to the affection near the period of weaning, 

 and petted house dogs and pampered pets seem oftener attacked. 



Causation . — The influences which give rise to the affection are many. 

 Among them indigestion, gaseous distention, constipation, worms, the 

 passage of calculi, and intestinal obstruction or stoppage. Colic pains 

 occur with diarrhoea that has originated in consequence of irritating sub- 

 stances being taken into the stomach. Cold and exposure may induce the 

 affection. The introduction of lead into the system in poisonous amounts 

 will also develop a special form of the disease. 



Symptoms. — Restlessness and occasional moanings, or sharp cries of 

 pain are the first to attract attention. It will then be observed that the 

 back of the animal is arched, the abdomen hard, and the walls retracted. 

 Firm pressure will often cause shrinking and evident pain. 



The sufferer lies down only to be up and walking about again, vainly 

 seeking relief by constant change of position. The manner plainly indi- 

 cates the suffering; the expression is piteous and appealing. If the attack 

 is severe moaning is constant, varied only by sharp, ear-piercing cries. 



The animal if a petted house-dog, will seek his master or mistress as 

 though begging for relief; unless it comes quickly his manner changes, 

 he seems to shun all interference and endeavors to conceal himself in 

 retired and unfrequented places. 



At first no constitutional symptoms are associated ; the pulse, nose, and 

 skin remain normal. If the attack is prolonged evidences of weakness 

 and fever are manifested. Vomiting and ineffectual attempts to vomit are 

 common symptoms. The appetite usually entirely disappears. 



"Diagnosis. —The suddenness of the attack, and the absence of all signs 

 of inflammation render a diagnosis easy. 



Treatment — Although writers agree that the first step in treatment is to 

 administer a cathartic, it seems ill advised, and a better practice is to at 

 once attack the pain, the more urgent symptom. Opium in some form is 

 the only agent upon which we can depend in the severer cases. Paregoric 

 and laudanum are both preparations of opium, and one or the other is to 

 be found in nearly every house. If the former is used, one teaspoonful 

 should be given from one to three hours until the pain is subdued. Of 

 laudanum the dose is fifteen drops repeated in the same way. 



