256 DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



must enter into all the remedies employed. On the 

 dog their action is, in my opinion, always beneficial j 

 and were they not directly so, the influence they pos- 

 sess in deadening pain would be sufficient reason to 

 justify their adoption. The other measures consist of 

 such as will be found mentioned under the head of ente- 

 ritis ; but it is essential to observe any faeces which 

 may be ejected by the animal that has suffered colic ; 

 for by these we may sometimes guess the cause of the 

 attack, and more often learn the means through which 

 a return may be prevented. 



As to the causes which induce colic, I can of my 

 own knowledge offer no information. It has to me 

 seemed to be regulated by none of those circumstances 

 to which it is generally attributed ; at all events, I think 

 I have witnessed it in animals which have not been 

 exposed to any of the causes that teachers and writers 

 assert induce it. Dogs are, however, brought to us only 

 when the cause has ceased ; for we are sought for only 

 to treat the effect. The declarations of authors may 

 therefore be correct, although I am unable to corrobo- 

 rate them ; and these gentlemen say colic is produced 

 by cold, acrid food, chills, worms, hard water, &c. In 

 cases of this kind, therefore, it may be well to inquire 

 if the dog has been exposed, or badly fed, or is in any 

 way unhealthy ; and, so far as possible, to rectify these 

 matters ; for, even though they may not have provoked 

 the spasm, nevertheless we shall do good by attending 

 to the health, diet, and comfort of the animal. 



