248 DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



hardness proving prolonged detention, denoting the in- 

 testines have lost their activity. 



Both Elaine and Youatt were educated in the old 

 school of medicine, which taught them to regard purga- 

 tives as the surgeon's best friends, and the sheet-anchors 

 of his practice. They prescribe them in almost every 

 case, and almost on every occasion ; but I rarely give 

 these agents. In the dog I am convinced they are not 

 safe, and their constant use is by no means imperative. 

 Should an animal be supposed not to have been relieved 

 for a week, this fact is no proof that a purgative is 

 required. The animal may have eluded observation, 

 and it cannot inform us if such has been the case. The 

 intestines may be slow, or the digestion may be more 

 than usually active. It is foolish to lay down rules for 

 Nature, and punish her creatures if these laws are not 

 obeyed. There are, however, means of ascertaining when 

 a purgative is needed ; and these, if employed, will very 

 rarely deceive. 



The muscles covering the abdomen of the dog are very 

 thin, and through them the contents of the cavity may 

 be plainly felt. By squeezing these together, the fingers 

 will detect whether the rectum, which lies near to the 

 spine, and of course backward or towards the tail, contains 

 any substance. Should the presence of any solid body 

 be ascertained, its character ought to be noted. If round 

 and comparatively soft, a little exercise will cause it to 

 be expelled ; but if hard-pointed in places, and uneven, 

 assistance should be afforded. An enema, of the solution 



