558 THE BOOK OF THE DOG. 



The action of the purgative may be assisted by an enema of warm water, in which a little 

 soap has been rubbed down. 



In less urgent cases of colic, a simple dose of castor-oil will be found to answer quite as 

 well, and the oil is to be followed by a dose of brandy in hot water. 



If there be much drum-like swelling of the abdomen, hard rubbing will do good, likewise 

 give a draught, such as 



$ Sp. .<Ether i^x. ad 5ij. 



Sodae Bicarb. ... gr. x. ad 5 j. 



Ol. Carui -mi. ad tnx. 



Tinct. Opii n^ v. ad in. xxx. 



Aq. Camph q. s. M. 



The tympanites may be further reduced, and great relief given by a turpentine and castor-oil 

 enema 



> Olei Ricini 5 ij. ad 3 j. 



Olei Terebinth. ... 5 j. ad 5 vj. 

 Decoct. Avenae. ... 3 ij. ad 5 x. 



M. 



8. Constipation. 



Constipation, more commonly called costiveness, is a complaint we are often required to 

 treat. It often occurs in the progress of other diseases, or as one of the symptoms of some other 

 malady, such as inflammation, where the secretions are dried up. Nevertheless, it is just as often 

 a separate ailment. 



Perhaps no complaint to which our canine friends are liable is less understood by the non- 

 professional dog doctor, and by dog owners themselves. 



Causes. Idiopathically considered constipation may arise from a variety of causes, but the 

 principal of these will probably be found to be irregularity in the time of feeding, food of too 

 dainty a nature, and want of exercise, leading to a weakened and torpid condition, or even atony 

 of the muscular coat of the digestive canal. 



Just as in the human being a sedentary life results in torpor of the liver and constipation, so 

 is it with a dog that is continually lolling in the recumbent position. If we remember that it is 

 the vermicular motion of the intestinal canal, caused by the contraction and dilatation of the 

 muscular circular fibres, that causes the food to move onwards, and that this motion depends 

 upon a healthy and vigorous condition of those fibres, it will readily be understood that any- 

 thing that weakens the system generally, or debilitates the nerves, and lessens the quantity of 

 iron in the blood, will produce constipation. If constipation is thus induced, from weakness in 

 the coats of the intestine, the exhibition of purgatives can only have a temporary effect in 

 relieving the symptoms, and is certain to be followed by reaction, and consequently by further 

 weakness. 



Youatt was never more correct in his life than when he says, " Many dogs have a dry 

 constipated habit, often greatly increased by the bones on which they are fed. This favours 

 the disposition to mange, &c. It produces indigestion, encourages worms, blackens the teeth, 

 and causes fetid breath." 



Symptoms. The stools are hard, usually in large round balls, and defecation is accomplished 

 with great difficulty, the animal having often to try several times before he succeeds in effecting 

 the act, and this only after the most acute suffering. The fceces are generally covered with 



