DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 69 



sufficient at first. This can be varied by giving alternately broths, into 

 which a raw egg has been broken. When any diet but milk is allowed 

 some form of pepsin should be administered with the food; of the French 

 preparation, five grains is the dose, of the American or saccharated, from 

 five to ten grains. 



The elixir bark pepsin and bismuth is an admirable combination and 

 can be given in teaspoonful doses three or four times a day. If the symp- 

 toms indicate failure of the vital powers, concentrated nourishment and 

 possibly stimulants will need to be given freely. 



When the disease is under control and convalescence commenced, tonics 

 should be employed. 



The beef wine and iron at first in dessertspoonful doses four times daily, 

 then the elixir calisaya bark iron and strychnine, one teaspoonful twice a 

 day. The pepsin should be persisted in until recovery is complete. 



Constipation. 



The term constipation and costiveness have the same significance, and 

 denote insufficient evacuation of the bowels. Constipation exists as a 

 functional disorder, and occurs as a symptom in various diseases. It is 

 extremely frequent among dogs, and while alone it might not be consid- 

 ered as a serious affection. It demands consideration from its importance 

 as giving rise to other ailments, and the difficulty experienced in attempt- 

 ing a cure unless its causes are correctly interpreted, and treatment is 

 judiciously administered. 



The affection may be occasional and of short duration, or it may be 

 habitual. 



Causation . —The causes of this disorder and the circumstances which 

 may contribute to it are very many. Mechanically the abdominal muscles 

 render important aid in the operation of unloading the bowels. These 

 muscles become weakened by distention as in pregnant bitches, and in 

 animals over-fed and excessively fat. 



Lazy, sleepy, indoor pets are supposed to be especially prone to consti- 

 pation, but it is probable other causes are more active in its production; 

 among them excessive neatness and restraint, the caprice of the owner, 

 rather than their own wants, directing when they be allowed out of doors. 

 If nature's calls or promptings are continually disregarded or resisted, 

 the sensibility of the lower bowel, or temporary depot for the excretion 

 becomes lessened, the accumulation goes on and paralysis of the parts 

 follows repeated and continued distension of the intestine. 



