PENCILLING — PILES 



Pencilling. — The streaks of black which run up the 

 toes of some breeds, such as black-and-tan terriers and 

 some Gordon setters. 



Peritoneum. — The membrane which covers the ab- 

 dominal cavity, and encloses the bowels and its other 

 contents. (See Peritonitis.) 



Peritonitis, or inflammation of the peritoneum, usually 

 results from a blow or kick, but a chill may cause it, and 

 it is also by no means uncommon amongst bitches at 

 whelping time. The symptoms are great tenderness of the 

 belly, which causes the animal to lie on its side, quick 

 breathing, and faint pulse, associated with high fever and 

 a white, slimy tongue. Hot linseed poultices or warm 

 fomentations should be applied to the belly, and doses of 

 opium of from J to 2 grains, according to the size of the 

 dog, may be given in water every six hours, the nourish- 

 ment given being strong beef-tea if the patient will take 

 anything. Absolute quiet, warmth, and good nursing are 

 essential in cases of peritonitis. (See Hospitaly Nursing.) 



Pig Eye.— A small, sunken eye. 



Pig Jaw. — A jaw in which the upper front teeth project 

 over the under ones. Also known as overhung, overshot, 

 pincher jaw. 



Piles are not uncommon amongst dogs, and especially 

 amongst those whose bowels are apt to be constipated, 

 as the piles result from straining. Frequent diarrhoea 

 may also produce them, and so will indigestion, as a result 

 of improper food and insufficient exercise. The existence 

 of piles may be detected from the swollen condition and 

 heat of the anus, the appearance of blood in the motions, 

 and the irritation of the part displayed by the animal 

 dragging it along the ground. If an examination is made 



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