GASTEITIS. 225 



by abuse in the administration of emetics especially of the 

 potassio-tartrate of antimony. 



Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, oxalic acid, the caustic alkalies, 

 ammonia and its carbonates, nitre, sulplates of soda and mag- 

 nesia, common salt, phosphorus and preparations of iodine 

 are amongst the non-metallic irritants most likely to occasion 

 gastric inflammation in the domestic animals. 



Treatment. The causes of gastritis indicate that little 

 benefit can be derived from the usual remedies employed in 

 inflammatory disease, and blood-letting is always dangerous. 

 'The poison must be thrown out of the system, or its effects 

 neutralized. Antidotes must be employed for each special- 

 case. Even simple water may be dangerous, either in increas- 

 ing the potency of the irritant, as in cases of sulphuric acid 

 poisoning, or hastening absorption, as in gastritis from various 

 salts. Lime, white of egg, demulcents such as linseed tea, 

 &c. are of great service in many instances. Counter-irri- 

 tation, purgatives given with caution, injections, emetics in 

 carnivora, are all means which are useful and require judg 

 ment in their use. Often, the relief of pain by opium, 

 or the support afforded by a mild stimulant, may preserve life. 



Gastritis in the dog has been specially noticed by all 

 writers on the diseases of this animal, and special mention is 

 made of the animal's disposition to lie on its belly against the 

 cold floor; of an anxious expression, great thirst, violent 

 fever, cold extremities, &c. I have repeatedly seen these 

 symptoms relieved by warm baths, clysters, and minute doses 

 of dilute prussic acid ; but a far more characteristic disease is 



GASTRORRHCEA, OR CATARRH OF THE STOMACH IN THE DOG. 

 This malady usually arises from a severe attack of indi- 

 gestion, and especially when a dog is exposed to cold and wet, 

 though usually pampered and carefully housed. 



Q 



