CHAPTER III 

 COMMON DISEASES OF DOGS 



Digestive Disturbances 



Indigestion. — Indigestion results from the partial 

 or complete failure of the digestive organs to func- 

 tion. It occurs most frequently in puppies and 

 yotmg dogs and especially in those whose vitality 

 is low because of some debilitating condition, such 

 as rickets or worms. Poodle, Pomeranian, Boston 

 Terrier and Collie puppies are the breeds most com- 

 monly affected. 



Cause. — Improper food: milk, potatoes, rice, 

 cornmeal, sloppy foods and doughy masses; over- 

 feeding: large quantities of bulky starchy foods and 

 slops. Catarrh of the stomach and intestines, and 

 constipation help to induce the condition. 



Symptoms. — In mild attacks the dog shows un- 

 easiness after eating a large meal, runs about the 

 room, occasionally lies down on his belly with his 

 head on his forefeet stretched before him, rolls on 

 his back with his feet in the air, crouches down with 

 his head and forefeet low, and his hind parts high 

 in the air. He may cry at intervals or he may keep 

 it up continually. The abdomen is distended and 

 painful. Short mild attacks may occur for several 

 days without attracting attention. The appetite 



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