102 KENNEL DISEASES. 
the cause still remains, inflammation of the stomach or bowels, or of both, is very 
liable to set in. Hence relief should in every instance be effected as speedily 
as possible. 
In very severe cases, where the abdomen is greatly distended, “to make as- 
surance doubly sure,” it is best to assume that the gas exists in the stomach as 
well as in the intestines, and endeavor to dislodge it both by the mouth and 
bowels. First an emetic should be given; and one of the most efficient and 
harmless is powdered ipecacuanha; the dose of which for a dog of the largest 
breeds is one-half a drachm. This should be put into a cup of warm — not hot 
— water, and poured down the sufferer’s throat; and if it does not act in ten 
minutes, the dose should be repeated. 
After giving the emetic, an injection of quite warm water should be admin- 
istered. As for the necessary quantity of water, it should be forced into the 
bowels until it runs out by the nozzle of the syringe. 
If as hot as can be borne by the hand without its being scalded, the water 
will oftentimes subdue the pain more speedily than even the most powerful nar- 
cotic. It is also very relaxing, and where spasm of the intestine is the obstruc- 
tion, it will generally quickly relieve it. When the obstruction is overcome, with 
the water that comes from the bowels a volume of gas will be discharged, and 
the pain at once lessen, if it does not disappear entirely. Should not such a 
happy result follow, another and still another injection should be administered 
after intervals of ten or fifteen minutes. 
Should gas not be brought up by the emetic nor drawn downward by the in- 
jections, the sufferer should be put into a tub and have his abdomen bathed for 
ten or fifteen minutes with hot water, This also failing to afford relief, half a 
teaspoonful of laudanum in a little water should be poured down his throat. 
It is well to say here that a sign of commencement of relief is “rumbling of 
the bowels,” which indicates that the gas is moving downward ; the spasm in 
the intestinal walls or other obstruction giving way to the natural “ peristaltic” 
or worm-like movement of the intestine. 
In about an hour the laudanum will have had nearly its full effect. If the ab- 
domen is still greatly distended and the pain as severe, a physician should be sent 
for, and the messenger should request him to bring an instrument for tapping. 
The hollow needle of a hypodermic syringe will answer well for the purpose. 
Puncturing the abdominal walls by means of it is not, as might seem to non- 
professionals, a serious operation, and it is scarcely possible for harm to result. 
Moreover, the relief is immediate. Most assuredly it should be resorted to in 
all cases in which the distention is great and the other measures advised have ' 
failed. Nor should there be any delay then, for continued pressure against the 
heart is liable to stop its action; and, indeed, in some neglected cases it was 
found that so great was the distention that certain abdominal organs were 
literally torn from their attachments, and death resulted in a few moments. 
