140 ^lood Diseases. 



Obesity. — Following hard upon the conditions of 

 Plethora is the disposition to accumulate fat. The 

 degrees of this are various, culminating in a state of 

 superlative inability, associated with positive ugliness. 

 Internally the organs are surrounded by accumulations 

 of fat, which impede the essential functions, and often 

 cause sudden death. Even the muscles are replaced by 

 fat, and the animal is a trouble if not a torture to 

 himself. 



The Causes are those enumerated under Plethora, a 

 discontinuance of which must be ensured before curative 

 measures can be successful. 



Treatment. — Avoid the causes which generate Plethora. 

 Institute gentle exercise, gradually increased as the effects 

 are fruitful. Substitute a less fattening diet. In spite of 

 these measures some cases refuse to yield even to the 

 exhibition of strong medicine of an aperient character. 

 In such an event regular doses of iodine should be 

 given in conjunction with aperient medicines at stated 

 intervals. 



Anaemia. — Deficiency of Blood. — This definition indi- 

 cates the exact reverse of the state known as Plethora. 

 The deficiency applies to the pabulum or rich elements 

 needful for building up the body. It is the disease of 

 badly fed dogs, especially puppies, in which the organis- 

 ation lacks vigour and development. It is the outcome 

 of overcrowding, bad smells, ivant of light and fresh air., 

 especially when unsuitable, or unnutritious and in- 

 digestible food is supplied. 



Symptoms. — Weakness, often amounting to prostration, 

 precarious appetite, indisposition to rise, generally 

 depressed spirits, cold limbs, which sometimes swell, 

 pallid membranes, staring coat, scanty excretions, with 

 general inability for any exertion. The mouth is cool 

 and the gums with the tongue are remarkably pale. 

 Diarrhoea usually supervenes and terminates fatally. 



Treatment. — Remove the cause. Supply good food 

 judiciously^ together with fresh air, water, etc. Treat the 

 diarrhoea by means of half or quarter doses of oil and 

 laudanum, and when successfully arrested, commence 



