DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 527 



coirc. 



The dog is subject to fits of colic, caused by sudden changes of 

 food, improper food, and exposure to cold. 



Symptoms. — The dog labors under fits of pain. He may lie in 

 a corner quietly for a minute, but when the pain comes on he 

 utters a yelp and seeks a new place. This is continued, and the 

 animal shows intense suffering. 



Treatment. — Castor oil is the favorite purgative in this affec- 

 tion, and should be used in all bowel troubles. Tincture of 

 opium, ten or fifteen drops; sweet spirits of nitre, one drachm, 

 may be given every three hours to relieve pain. Enemas should 

 be administered and the abdomen fomented with warm water. 

 Flannels wrung out of warm water may be applied, to the abdo- 

 men. 



DIAERHOEA. 



This is a discharge of an undue amount of liquid faeces. It is 

 caused by improper feeding, or overfeeding. This condition 

 should not be checked too soon, but if it continues and the ani- 

 mal is becoming weak, it must be stopped. Give a tablespoonful 

 to an ounce of castor oil to remove the irritant. Give milk that 

 has been boiled for ten or fifteen minutes. Fifteen drops of the 

 tincture of opium may be used. 



DYSENTERY. 



The dog sometimes suffers with dysentery, which is a serious 

 complaint. It is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of 

 the intestines. The symptoms are a discharge per anus of mucus 

 and blood. A very small amount of faeces is evacuated at a time, 

 and there is great straining. 



Treatment. — Enemas containing tincture of opium may be 

 administered. A small dose of castor oil should be administered. 

 Tincture of opium and sweet spirits of nitre may be used, in doses 

 of ten drops of opium to a half drachm of nitre. 



