266 THE DOG m DISEASE. 



In all cases when the strength begins to fail, the most 

 nutritious and easily-digested food should be given, and 

 alcoholic stimulants, either alone in water or mixed with 

 the food, especially if the latter must be forced on the ani- 

 mal, or in injections by the rectum of broths, eggnog, etc. 



In threatened collapse, stimulants are plainly indicated. 



FUNCTIONAL DISEASE OF THE LIVER. 



Jaundice, the retention or reabsorption of the constitu- 

 ents of bile, results from failure of the liver to do its 

 work, whether this arises from organic disease or merely 

 from functional disturbance or obstruction to the outflow 

 of bile. To the latter we now more especially refer. 



Causation. — Chills, caused by bad management ; inju- 

 dicious feeding ; obstruction to the discharge of bile from 

 the liver cells ; the poison of certain diseases, as distemper ; 

 exhaustion from violent exercise, especially if left without 

 grooming afterward, etc. 



Symptoms. — Usually the mucous membranes show, by 

 their staining with bile pigment present in the blood, the 

 true nature of the trouble. The animal is dull, appetite 

 falls off or becomes capricious, urine high-colored and 

 contains bile pigment. The stools are characteristic, being 

 lacking in color, of a gray, dirty appearance, and usually 

 tough, pasty consistence ; often fetid. There may be diar- 

 rhoea, but usually constipation. 



Treatment. — The dog is to be made very comfortable, 

 and protected from draughts ; gentle but regular exercise 

 is to be given ; food to be supplied in small quantity and 

 of a very bland character, as rice and milk, stale bread 

 and milk, biscuits, etc. Fatty food is to be avoided strict- 



