Intestinal Indigestion in the Dog with Constipation. 209 



numerous petechiae on the skin, and, on post mortem, of the spe- 

 cific round necrotic intestinal ulcers of hog cholera. 



Treatment. The first object is to rid the intestines of the irri- 

 tating impacted masses, and this may be secured by giving 1 oz. 

 castor oil, 2 drs. jalap, or 3 grs. croton farina to a 150 lb. pig. 

 This may be seconded by frequent and copious injections of soap- 

 suds. If fermentation and tympany are troublesome 30 grs. 

 chloral hydrate may be given and repeated as circumstances de- 

 mand it. Active rubbing of the abdomen or kneading of the 

 same will prove useful. If tympany becomes dangerous the gas 

 may be safely evacuated by trochar and cannula, the point of 

 puncture being selected by the clearness of the resonance. When 

 the impaction has reached the rectum and prevents the use of 

 enemata, it may be extracted with the oiled fore finger. An in- 

 jection of sweet oil may then be given and the finger may be 

 used again and again as the impacted faeces come within reach. 

 When diarrhoea has set in it may be checked by doses of 30 to 

 60 drops of laudanum, and a diet of boiled milk, well boiled 

 flaxseed or other starchy gruel or mush. A course of bitters 

 with chalk, bismuth or antiseptics will prove serviceable during 

 convalescence. 



INTESTINAL INDIGESTION IN THE DOG WITH 

 CONSTIPATION. 



Usual seat. Causes : house life, neglect of call to defecate, lack of exer- 

 cise, overdistension, atony, watch dogs, over feeding, obesity, ill health, 

 debility, loss of teeth, paraplegia, spiced and sweet food, matting of hair 

 over anus, tumors round anus. Symptoms : small, hard, white, glazed 

 stools, straining, no stools, hot, tender, swollen, bulging anus, abdominal 

 manipulation, dullness, laziness, seeking seclusion, colics, tender abdomen, 

 stiffness, arched back, drooping head and tail, vomiting — sometimes fecu- 

 lent, fever. Lesions : impacted mass of hard, gritty particles, catarrhal 

 congested or necrotic mucosa, and outer coats, perforating ulcers. Treat- 

 ment : air, exercise, laxative diet, mechanical extraction, purgatives, 

 enemata, demulcents, laparotomy, enterrectomy. 



In the dog atony and impaction are common especially in the 

 rectum, where the faeces are unduly retained in connection with 

 house life until accumulated and dried. The impaction tends to 

 14 



