194 IMPACTION OF THE STOMACH IN DOGS. 



siderable length of time. In order to recognise these cases 

 it is usually necessary to learn their history, and if informa- 

 tion can be had that an animal has gorged itself with a large 

 quantity of solid food, an emetic usually satisfies the practi- 

 tioner as to the cause of symptoms which are subject to great 

 differences, though always severe. 



In puppies it is not unusual to observe, with a tense and 

 over-distended belly, convulsive attacks, colicky pains, and 

 retching. I have seen a dog quite unconscious, blind (amau- 

 rotic), with its head turned round into its flank, and breathing 

 heavily. In this particular case a stimulating enema, the 

 active principle of which was assafoetida, produced violent 

 vomiting, whereby an enormous quantity of food, including 

 even raw vegetables, was thrown up, and the animal was 

 perfectly cured. 



Treatment. Though it is necessary not to weaken the 

 animal by emetics in the convulsive diseases usually dependent 

 on distemper, or severe catarrhs, it is nevertheless found, that 

 a single dose of the potassio-tartrate of antimony may relieve, 

 by unloading the stomach, The dose should be from one to 

 four grains, according to the size of the dog. A purgative 

 is of service, and preferable to a repetition of the emetic. 

 Time should be allowed for the action of the latter to sub- 

 side, and then a pill may be given, containing 



Aloes . . . 10 to 20 grains. 



Jalap . . . . .15 grains. 

 Castor oil is a very safe medicine in such cases, given in 

 doses varying from half to one ounce. Injections are of great 

 service, and should the state of stupor interfere with the 

 administration of drugs by the mouth, a good effect may be 

 secured by mixing half a drachm of assafoetida with a couple 

 of ounces of milk, or decoction of oats, and giving as an 

 enema. 



