CHAPTER VII. 

 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 



1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia). 



Indigestion is inability to abstract from the food taken 

 into the stomach the nourishment necessary for the building 

 up and sustaining of the body. 



Causes. — Lack of exercise, improper food' and irregular 

 feeding are among the causes. It may be the after effects 

 of some other disease that maj have left the digestive organs 

 in a weakened condition. 



Symptoms. — Ravenous appetite., alternating periods o+ 

 loss of appetite, occasional spelts of vomiting, constipation, 

 alternating periods of diarrhoea, are among the more notice- 

 able symptoms. These are accompanied by loss of flesh and 

 a dry, dusty coat of hair. 



Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible. Give a rea- 

 sonable quantit)' of clean, wholesome food regularly, with 

 plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. Give 



Syrup of Buckthorn. . .1 to 2 ounces or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 



Vary this dose to the size of the dog and give every day 

 for a week or ten days or until the bowels are operating 

 regularly. 



If the case is a severe one, in addition to this give a 

 half teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda on the tongue, night 

 and morning. It must be remembered that careful feeding 

 and regular exercise are absolutely necessary to bring about 

 a cure. 



2. Gastritis (Inflammation of the Stomach). 



Causes. — Anything that may cause acute de r angement 

 of the stomach and secretory glands. 



Symptoms. — There is very severe pain and the dog lies 

 with his legs spread out. When standing he has a sort of 

 doubled up appearance. Pressure on the left side of the 



