186 INFLAMED BOWELS. 



The hardened matter should be carefully broken and sepa- 

 rated by the finger, or by a forceps, or handle of a spoon ; 

 and it may then be brought away piecemeal. If this cannot 

 be effected, or the obstruction be situated completely without 

 the reach, clysters should be constantly kept up the intes- 

 tines ; that is, as soon as one comes away another ought to 

 be thrown up. The dog should also be put into a warm 

 bath frequently, which often proves the most effectual means 

 of removing obstinate costiveness. Medicines by the mouth 

 are not to be neglected, particularly where the obstruction 

 does not exist within the reach of the finger ; on the con- 

 trary, a large dose of castor oil may be first tried, which, if 

 it fails to open the bowels, should give place to stronger 

 means. From three to six or eight grains of calomel may be 

 mixed with from half a dram to one or two drams of aloes, 

 according to the size and strength of the dog. If the sto- 

 mach should reject the first dose, add a quarter of a grain of 

 opium to the second : or, a dose of Epsom salts, dissolved in 

 broth, may be tried. Fortunately for medicine, we have now 

 a purgative so subtle and minute, that even a drop put on 

 the tongue acts as a powerful laxative. The croton oil, I 

 am informed, by Mr. Youatt, acts as powerfully on dogs as 

 on the human subject, and therefore in these cases should 

 be tried. Repeat the purge, whatever it may be, every three 

 or four hours, until it operates. 



In the third inflammation (Enteritis), or that which comes 

 on spontaneously from irritation or from the effect of cold, 

 the early symptoms are more acute; great heat, thirst, pant- 

 ing, and restlessness, are apparent even from the first attack. 

 The stomach is incessantly sick, and throws off all its con- 

 tents, mixed oftentimes with biliary matter, and all food is 

 refused, but water is sometimes sought for with anxiety. 

 The belly is extremely hot, and painful to the touch ; the 

 eyes are red, and the mouth and nose are alternately hot and 

 cold. The animal frequently lies on his stomach, expresses 

 great anxiety in his countenance, and the pulse is extremely 



