56 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



feeding of a ration that is unsuitable for that particular species 

 is a common source of disease in animals. For example, the 

 feeding to carnivora of a ration made up largely of starchy- 

 feed, and the feeding of a ration containing an excessive 

 quantity of j)rotein to herbivorous animals may result in in- 

 testinal, liver and nervous disorders. Spoiled feed may prove 

 highly injurious. Catarrhal inflammation of the intestine and 

 intestinal parasites may obstruct the bile duct, and interfere 

 seriously with the functions of the liver. 



Sijmptoms, — In diseases of the liver the appetite is irregu- 

 lar or the animal refuses to eat, is constipated, or has diarrhoea. 

 The fseces may be grayish colored or foul smelling. Colicky 

 pains are sometimes manifested. Usually the animal acts dull 

 and weak. A raise in body temperature may be noted. The 

 visible mucous membranes may appear yellowish- or brownish- 

 red in color. 



Treatment. — Animals grazing over well drained pastures 

 that are free from injurious weeds and provided with plenty 

 of drinking water, seldom develop diseases of the liver. Exer- 

 cise, a natural diet and plenty of clean water, as well as prevent- 

 ing liver disorders, may be classed among the most important 

 of all curative agents. Laxatives or cathartics, such as oils, 

 salts, aloes, and calomel, in small doses may be given. We pre- 

 fer the administration of oil or aloes to horses, Glauber's or 

 Epsom salts to ruminants, and calomel to dogs. The adminis- 

 tration of minimum doses of these drugs, and repeating the dose 

 after a short interval, is preferable to large doses. Alkaline 

 tonics are also indicated. The following mixture may be given : 

 bicarbonate of soda, sulfate of soda and common salt, eight 

 ounces of each, and powdered gentian and sulfate of iron, four 

 ounces of each. Large animals may be given a small table- 

 spoonful of this mixture with the feed three times a day. The 

 dose for sheep and hogs is one teaspoonful. A very light, easily 

 digested ration should be fed. 



