94 KENNEL DISEASES. 
be excessive, although in some cases it remains poor and the subjects are 
“dainty feeders.” 
From the change in demeanor it is easy to believe that dogs troubled with 
indigestion suffer from much the same uncomfortable sensations as their masters 
when similarly affected. That there is lassitude is evident, for the movements 
are indolent. Depression of spirits is also apparent, and excepting where the 
victims are of remarkably amiable dispositions, the tempers are decidely irritable. 
Vomiting is a symptom of chronic indigestion, but by no means a common 
one excepting in the earlier stages, while as yet there is no decided thinning of 
its walls or dilation of the stomach. When, however, these changes have com- 
menced, the expulsive power has begun to decline; and it lessens as they pro- 
gress, until the peculiarity of being able to vomit easily is lost. When they are 
well advanced, even under powerful emetics the stomach finds it difficult to 
empty itself. 
It is a well-known fact that victims of chronic affections have occasional 
periods during which their troubles lighten, while at other times they are in- 
tensified, and in this respect indigestion is no exception. For days and even 
weeks it may be only of mild intensity, then it is aggravated, the symptoms 
are all more pronounced, and likely new ones are added. Among the latter a 
foul breath is the most notable and of the greatest significance. Indeed, when it 
is present with the signs already described, there can be no mistaking the fact 
that the stomach is seriously at fault. 
Beyond these symptoms others are occasionally manifested in chronic in- 
digestion. One appears in the tongue, which is thickly coated. There is also 
constipation at intervals, and this may alternate with diarrhoea. Still another 
symptom that is observed now and then, especially in house pets, is temporary 
impairment of the hearing power. 
As already intimated, the vigor and nutrition of some victims of chronic 
indigestion are not materially altered, and they may even be much over-weight, 
in which instances this trouble is likely to escape detection ; in others, however, 
the impairment is great, there is a falling off in flesh, the skin loses much of its 
natural smoothness and elasticity, and the victim is “hidebound,” while its hair 
parts with its gloss and becomes dry and staring. 
This disease is never fatal, but others, and especially eczema, follow in its 
course, while alone it is likely, by impairing nutrition, to cause enfeeblement of 
the entire system, and so indirectly shorten life. 
If treatment is judiciously applied before the changes in the structure of the 
stomach previously described have occurred, this ailment is curable; and even 
in advanced cases very decided improvement is possible under proper condi- 
tions. If it is due to specific causes it will be necessary to remove them, while 
if part of an enfeebled physical state, the associated troubles must, of course, 
be remedied. 
