DISEASES 57 



"And here another: 



Acid tannic 2 drams 



Opium powdered 12 grains 



Pepsin 1 dram 



"Dose. — Divide into 12 powders and give one three times a day. The 

 foregoing-sized doses are based on a 40-lb. dog. Smaller or larger dogs 

 in proportion. Feed white of egg, gelatin, beef tea, lime water and 

 milk, toast and beef tea. Keep the patient warm and quiet." 



Diarrhea. — Diarrhea is of very frequent occurrence in dogs, and more 

 particularly in young, puppies and in old and overfed dogs. It generally 

 exists as a result of indigestion, brought on by improper feeding. The 

 practice of leaving stale food from one meal to another is a common source 

 of this disease. Diarrhea may be classed as acute and chronic. In the 

 acute form there is much looseness of the bowels, frequently accompanied 

 or preceded by copious vomiting of acrid offensive matter; the evacua- 

 tions are loose, watery and offensive. If not checked, it soon produces 

 excessive weakness, and, especially in puppies, is the cause of great mor- 

 tality. In the chronic state the disease is slower in its progress and longer 

 in its duration. It may be set up by a diseased liver and excess of bile, or 

 it may be the result of inflammation of the bowels. A by no means un- 

 common cause is the abuse of calomel and other mercurials, these being 

 "specifics" with many persons for all dog diseases. Diarrhea often finishes 

 up the work of distemper, and this is so in most cases where, as too fre- 

 quently happens, mercurials have been relied on as a cure for that dis- 

 ease. Worms are also a common cause of diarrhea, and when these exist 

 the nature of the discharge is variable, frequent and small in quantity, 

 Sometimes lumpy, followed by gelatinous, glary matter, and often frothy 

 and covered with small air bubbles. When worms appear to be the cause, 

 means should be taken to expel them as directed later on. Exhalations 

 from accumulations of filth, and especially in low lying, damp and badly 

 drained and badly ventilated kennels, are also a cause of diarrhea, and 

 one which never should exist. In treating diarrhea it is often of con- 

 siderable advantage to give a mild purge to remove the irritating cause. 

 Castor oil is very suitable; and, if there is evidence of much pain attend- 

 ing the disease, a dose of laudanum, from 20 to 30 drops, may be added. 

 As a remedy in diarrhea I know of nothing equal to the following mix- 

 ture, which very rarely fails to check it if the patient at the same time 

 receives proper attention in other respects: 



Astringent Anodyne Mixture for Diarrhea. 



Take prepared chalk 3 drams 



Aramatic confection (powder) : . 2 drams 



Powdered gum acacia 1 dram 



(Laudanum) tincture of opium 1 ounce 



Oil of cassia 6 or 8 drops 



Tincture of catechu 3 drams 



