254 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



after a good dose of castor oil, to free tlie bowel from of- 

 fending matter, if such there be. This is a safe proced- 

 ure, even if the diarrhoea has lasted for days. If there is 

 evidence of pain, ten to fifteen drops of laudanum may be 

 given with the oil. Sometimes one dose of tincture of 

 rhubarb in peppermint-water answers well, as there is a 

 subsequent astringent action. If the relaxation still con- 

 tinues, the officinal lead-and-opium pill, or such astringents 

 as kino or rhatany, will be in place. 



Obstruction. — Obstruction may be due to prolonged 

 constipation, and is serious, as it may end in inflammation 

 of the intestine {enteritis). It is better to begin by enemas 

 of warm soap-suds and castor oil or olive oil. Occasion- 

 ally it may be necessary to scoop out the obstructing mass 

 by mechanical means. Castor oil or syrup of buckthorn 

 may be given by the mouth. Kneading the abdomen may 

 be of service. Reference will be made to this subject 

 again, under ^' Peritonitis." 



Constipation. — Except in old dogs, this is mostly due to 

 errors in management, especially in feeding and from ir- 

 regular or insufficient exercise. Dogs kept in small yards 

 and on chain frequently suffer. It is a fruitful source of 

 evil, including disorders of the skin. It may be necessary 

 to feed vegetables, as a sort of medicine ; though porridge 

 tends to relax. Liver, which should be boiled, is also use- 

 ful. Food that is very concentrated, and sometimes the 

 opposite kind, tends to constipate. Exercise and a suitable 

 diet remedy the irregularity in most dogs. In old animals 

 the muscular coat of the intestine loses tone, and then 

 medicine and massage of the abdomen is demanded. A 

 pill made as follows will possil)ly do good : 



