Diseases of the Stomach. 63 



easily excited than in any other of the lower species. We 

 have abundant proof of this in the administration of 

 medicines, and in common observance during exercise, 

 when their instinct teaches them to seek what is termed 

 " dog-grass," the effect of which after swallowing is quickly 

 manifested. 



Vomiting may be a symptom of disease, the result of an 

 overloaded stomach, or the presence of irritating matters 

 within it or applied to the fauces, or it may take place from 

 cesophagal obstruction., Worms are a very frequent cause 

 of vomition. (See " Worms.") 



The vomit may consist of mucus, bile blood, or food 

 mingled with other offending matters. 



Vomiting' is medicinally induced by agents termed 

 " emetics," the favourite one being tartarised antimony — 

 and a dangerous one it is when given injudiciously. 

 Fortunately, however, the dog's stomach, as previously ob- 

 served, quickly responds to its call, and it is for the most 

 part thrown off; otherwise dogs would by quacks be killed 

 by the score. If his more unfortunate companion, the 

 horse, were equally capable of performing the same act, 

 antimony would speedily cease to exist in the never-failing 

 condition-powders of the groom , and chemist. For all 

 ordinary purposes, plain warm water or water in which (if 

 immediate action be desired) a little salt and mustard is 

 mixed, is sufficient ; in fact, I have readily produced 

 vomiting with the latter, when I have failed with antimony. 

 The treatment of vomiting must be directed to the cause. 



WORMS IN THE STOMACH. 



Dogs are frequently troubled withwornis in the stomach. 

 Their presence gives rise to severe gastric disturbance, and 

 is often productive of convulsions and death. 



Symptoms. — Those usually presented are constant retch- 

 ing and vomiting, foetid breath, a dry, husky cough, intesti- 



