Diseases of the Bowels. 7 



COLIC. 



This disease in the dog is not of that frequency whicl 

 might be expected from the strange circumstances unde 

 which at times he exists, the exertions required of him 

 the exposure he is subject to, and the bill of fare. 



Causes. — Intestinal obstruction, calculi, intus-susceptior 

 hernia, impaction of faeces, flatulency, worms, cold, or indi 

 gestible food. A special form of colic is caused by lead 

 poisoning. 



Symptoms. — Colic comes on suddenly ; the animal is ti 

 all appearance in perfect health, when he immediately 

 utters a sharp cry of pain, and, with his back arched am 

 abdomen drawn up, he wallas restlessly about, whimperini 

 or moaning, and endeavouring vainly to find ease ii 

 various postures. Considerable tympany is often preseni 

 giving the animal a tense inflated appearance. 



By careful inquiry the cause of the attack may be oftei 

 ascertained : frequently it may be traced- to the food ; ai 

 unusual supply of bones may have been given, a great poi 

 tion of which may probably have been devoured in such ; 

 form as to cause irritation, if not mechanical obstruction 

 or from long submergence in water, which is frequently th 

 case with swimming dogs, who no sooner approach th 

 bank than another stick or stone is flung in, and away he i 

 started again, and this repeated over and over again b 

 thoughtless persons who never seem to dream of the exten 

 to which they are taxing the good nature of the willin 

 servant. 



Constipation, flatulency, worms, are also causes equall 

 easy of ascertainment, and by inquiry (in kennel dogs mor 

 particularly) as to the source whence the water is suppliec 

 and the vehicle through which it flows or is drauk from, w 

 may arrive at the conclusion the attack is caused from th 

 action of lead. Intus-susception, calculi, or hernia, woul 

 be indicated by the colicky pains being of greater frequenc 



