DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 253 



when the champing of the jaw denotes the approach of 

 fits, the chance of a favorable termination to the disease 

 is materially diminished. When in a violent form it 

 attacks a litter of puppies, either simultaneously or con- 

 secutively, it is always attended with danger. At no 

 season, and under no circumstances, is it trivial, and 

 never ought it to be neglected. The cries and distress 

 of the suffering animal will, when it is fully established, 

 enforce attention ; but too often it has then proceeded so 

 far that much medicine will not check what in the first 

 instance a single dose might have entirely banished. 



The symptoms of colic have been much confused by 

 Elaine, who, when describing them, evidently alludes to 

 many forms of disease with which abdominal spasm has 

 no connexion. Youatt is far more clear ; but he is too 

 concise, and omits so much that the reader does not pro- 

 perly appreciate the importance of that affection which is 

 thus slightly mentioned. Neither of the two authors 

 seems to have carefully studied the subject ; for in their 

 writings is not to be found any account of those early 

 symptoms which most readily yield to treatment. 



Prior to evincing any sign of colic, the dog appears 

 well ; healthy in its body and easy in its mind. The appe- 

 tite is good, or may be better than usual. The food has 

 been eaten and relished; then the animal instinctively 

 lies down to sleep and aid digestion. A moan is heard ; 

 the sound is half suppressed, and the dog that utters it 

 appears to sleep. Another cry, as feeble, but of greater 

 length, is noticed ; and now the animal that made it 



