204 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES. 



extent. The peristaltic motion of the intestine goes on, and the conse- 

 quence is, that the constricted portion is received into that which is 

 widened, the anterior portion is invaginated in the posterior : obstruction 

 of the intestinal passage is the necessary consequence, and the animal dies, 

 either from the general disturbance of the system which ensues, or the 

 inflammation which is set up in the invaginated part. 



I will say nothing of medical treatment in this case ; for I do not know 

 the symptoms of intussusception, or how it is to be distinguished from 

 acute inflammation of the bowels. Acute inflammation will not long exist 

 without producing it ; and, if its existence should be strongly suspected, 

 the treatment would be the same as for inflammation. 



The domesticated dog, from the nature of his food, more than from any 

 constitutional tendency, is liable to constipation. This should never be 

 neglected. If two or three days should pass without an evacuation, the 

 case should be taken in hand ; otherwise inflammation will be very soon 

 established. In order to procure an evacuation, the aloetic ball, with one 

 or two grains of calomel, should be given. Beyond that, however, I should 

 not dare to go ; but, if the constipation continued, I should have recourse to 

 the castor-oil mixture. I should previously examine and empty the rectum, 

 and have frequent recourse to the enema-syringe ; and I should continue 

 both. It would be my object to evacuate the intestinal canal with as little 

 increased action as possible. 



DIARRHCEA 



is the discharge of faeces more frequently than usual, and thinner than 

 their natural consistence, but otherwise not materially altered in quality ; 

 and the mucous coat of the intestines being somewhat congested, if not 

 inflamed. It is the consequence of over-feeding, or the use of improper 

 food. Sometimes it is of very short continuance, and disappears without 

 any bad consequence ; the health being unaffected, and the character of the 

 faeces no otherwise altered than by assuming a fluid character. It may not 

 be bad practice to wait a day, or possibly two, as it is desirable for the action 

 of the intestines to be restored without the aid of art. I should by no means 

 give a physic-ball, or a grain of calomel, in simple diarrhoea. I should fear 

 the establishment of that species of purging which is next to be described. 

 The castor-oil mixture usually affords the best hope of success. 



Habitual diarrhoea is not an unfrequent disease in petted dogs : in some 

 it is constitutional, in others it is the effect of neglected constipation. A 

 state of chronic inflammation is induced, which has become part of the 

 constitution of the dog ; and, if repressed in the intestines, it will appear 

 under a more dangerous form in some other place. 



DYSENTERY 



is a far more serious complaint. In most cases a considerable degree of 

 inflammation of the mucous coat exists, and the mucus is separated from 

 the membrane beneath, and discharged per anum. The mucus thus sepa- 

 rated from the intestinal membrane assumes an acrid character. It not 

 only produces inflammation of the membrane, dangerous and difficult to 

 treat, but it excoriates the anus and neighbouring parts, and produces pain 

 and tenesrnus. 



