GENERAL DISEASES. 196 



damp, ill-ventilated kennels, and insufficient exercise are among the 

 causes productive of anaemia. In a large proportion of cases the affection 

 is associated with and depends upon other diseases which involve an ex- 

 penditure of blood constituents. 



Symptoms. —In animals affected with anaemia the mucous membranes 

 of the mouth, gums, and lips are paled, the tongue is white and dry, the 

 temperature lessened, the action of the heart feeble, the pulse small and 

 weak, the muscular strength is diminished and occasionally there is but 

 little power in the limbs. Slight exertion induces great fatigue; the man- 

 ner is languid and spiritless; the secretions from the bowels .and kidneys 

 are scanty. There is a deficiency of functional energy of all the different 

 organs of the body. 



Treatment — The first objects are to ascertain and remove if possible 

 the cause or causes upon which anaemia depends. Associated diseases 

 call for especial treatment elsewhere considered. To restore the normal 

 constituents of the blood, a nutritious diet consisting largely of meat 

 should be allowed; to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion by 

 bitter tonics, such as quinine, is advisable. Iron is a special remedy in 

 this disease, and the tincture should be given in fifteen drop doses, twice 

 or three times daily with the food. Pure air and exercise contribute 

 largely to a cure, by increasing the energy of the organs of the body and 

 renewing the general strength. 



(Plethora. 



In general terms the morbid effects of plethora are the reverse of those 

 due to anaemia. The causes are overfeeding and insufficient exercise. 



Symptoms.— A plethoric animal has a full, bloated, congested appear- 

 ance; the mucous membranes are reddened; the heart's action is more 

 powerful, the pulse being full and strong; a feverish tendency exists, and 

 a dull, heavy, sluggish manner is characteristic. In this condition the 

 brain is more easily excited and congested, involving a liability to con- 

 vulsions. 



Treatment. — Plain unstimulating food, reasonable in quantity, enforced 

 exercise, and the occasional use of laxatives. 



OBESITY. 



Dogs not infrequently become fattened to a morbid degree, and when- 

 ever it exceeds the limits of health it may appropriately claim treatment. 

 Insufficient exercise, over-feeding, and an excess of saccharine and starchy 



