DISEASES. 45 



DYSPEPSIA. See INDIGESTION. 





DIABETES. This is an increased abnormal flow of urine, the cause being a 

 derangement of some of the assimilative organs, and when long established pro- 

 ducing great emaciation and weakness. First, give a few doses of mild purgative, 

 of the "podophyllin pills. 1 ' 



Podolphyllin 6 grains 



Compound extract of colocynth 30 grains 



Powdered rhubarb 48 grains 



Extract of henbane 36 grains 



Mix and divide into 24 pills. Dose one to two pills, according to size of dog. One 

 dose probably enough, if it moves the bowels. 



To allay the thirst, always present in diabetes, give (twice a day) 5 to 30 

 drops (according to size of dog) of phosphoric acid, largely diluted with water, 

 and to strengthen the system, 2 to 5 grains of sulphate of iron twice a. day in 

 water. If the excessive flow of urine continues after this, then use the following: 



Astringent Bolus for Diabetes Take 



(Gallic acid 1 dram 

 Powdered alum 1 dram 

 Powdered opium 12 grains 



Gum sufficient to form a mass; divide into 24 pills. Dose for a 25-lb. to 50-lb. 

 dog, one pill twice a day. Small toy dogs, one-half pill. And larger than 50-lb., 

 l 3 /o pill as a dose. Where the dog is weak and his appetite impaired, have drug- 

 gist add one grain of quinine to each pill when filling prescription. 



DIARRHEA. Diarrhea is of very frequent occurrence in dogs, and more 

 particularly in young puppies and in old and overted dogs. It generally exists 

 as a result of indigestion, brought on by improper feeding. The practice of 

 leaving stale food from one meal to another is a common source of this disease. 

 Diarrhea may bo classed as acute and chronic. In the acute form there is much 

 looseness of the bowels, frequently accompanied or preceded by copious vomiting' 

 of acrid offensive matter; the evacuations are loose, watery and offensive. If not 

 checked, it soon produces excessive weakness, and, especially in puppies, is the 

 cause of great mortality. In the chronic state the disease is slower in its 

 progress and longer in its duration. It may be set up by a diseased liver and 

 excess of bile, or it may be the result of inflammation of the bowels. A by no 

 means uncommon cause is the abuse of calomel and other mercurials, these being 

 "specifics" with many persons for all dog diseases. Diarrhea often finishes up 

 the work of distemper, and this is so in most cases where, as too frequently 

 happens, mercurials have been relied on as a cure for that disease. Worms are 

 also a common cause of diarrhea, and when these exist the nature of the dis- 

 charge is variable, frequent and small in quantity, sometimes lumpy, followed 

 by gelatinous, glary matter, and often frothy and covered with small air bubbles. 

 When worms appear to be the cause, means should be taken to expel them ,as 

 directed later on. Exhalations from accumulations of filth, and especially in low 

 lying, damp and badly drained and badly ventilated kennels, are also a cause of 

 diarrhea, and one which never should exist. In treating diarrhea it is often of 

 considerable advantage to give a mild purge to remove the irritating cause. 

 Castor oil is very suitable; and, if there is evidence of much pain attending the 



