264 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



253) ; but in dysentery great benefit is often derived from 

 injections of boiled starch, with twenty to forty drops of 

 laudanum, and a dessert-spoonful of listerine, the wliole to 

 be retained within the bowel by holding the hand, invested 

 in a soft cloth, against the anus for ten minutes at least. 



As already indicated, we think it wise, in both diar- 

 rhoea and dysentery, to make sure that the bowels are free 

 from offending matter, and would commence the treat- 

 ment with castor oil or syrup of buckthorn and enough 

 laudanum to reheve pain. 



When dysentery tends to become chronic, small doses 

 of ipecacuanha, one to three grains of the powder, or 

 three to eight drops of the wine every one to two hours, 

 may be tried. It is frequently a most obstinate disease, 

 and much depends on judicious nursing and feeding. 



In all these inflammatory affections pain may be severe 

 and lasting, and may kill the animal by disordering the 

 nervous centers, in consequence of which the nutrition 

 {metabolism) is perverted and the main centers of life, 

 the heart center especially, worn out, so that the indica- 

 tion above all others is to relieve pain. This can be done 

 by warm applications, counter-irritation, and opiates. Some 

 recommend leeches and blood-letting. We doubt if either 

 is practicable or judicious with the dog, but have no very 

 positive opinion based on experience. 



Constipation may coexist with either gastritis or en- 

 teritis. It is not to be too soon reheved with drugs; 

 better far to use enemas, at least while the acute symp- 

 toms last. 



In peritonitis^ opium in some form is still the sheet- 

 anchor. Constipation is commonly present, and may be 



