DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 291 



faeces which the rectum cannot make an effort to dis- 

 lodge ; and in this circumstance the physiologist sees evi- 

 dence of the sources whence the different parts derive 

 their contractility. The rectum, like the other intestines, 

 gains its vital power from the sympathetic nerve, or that 

 nerve of nutrition and secretion which presides over 

 organic life. The muscle of the anus, on the other hand, 

 is influenced by nerves derived from the spinal column j 

 and thus, understanding the two parts obtain their motor 

 power from different sources, the reader will comprehend 

 how one can be incapable of motion while the other is 

 unaffected, or rather excited ; for the presence of the 

 retained dung acts as an irritant, and provokes the anus 

 to contract with more than usual vigor. 



If nothing be done to restore the balance of power, the 

 rectum speedily is so much distended that its walls 

 become attenuated, and then a cure is hopeless ; a sac is 

 formed, and the gut is not only much stretched or enlarged, 

 but it is also, by the excessive bulk of its contents, forced 

 from its natural position, being carried either to one side 

 or the other, but always to where the dropsy is most 

 conspicuous. 



In such cases, when the dropsy is first observed, our 

 care must be to invigorate the system. Small doses of 

 nux vomica, with iron, gentian and capsicums, made into 

 a pill, will generally do this, and the following form may 

 be employed : 



Nux vomica, in powder . . Five grains to a scruple. 

 Capsicums, in powder . . Ten grains to two scruples. 



