Common Diseases of Dogs 



Inflammation of Stomach and Intestines. — There 

 are many forms of gastro-enteritis, depending on 

 the severity and character of the causative agent. 

 The inflammation may affect only the stomach or 

 any region of the intestines, or it may involve the 

 entire tract. In all cases the symptoms are about 

 the same and without great experience it is im- 

 possible to diagnose the exact location. 



Cause. — Improper food, overfeeding, worms, 

 foreign bodies, obstructions, and poisoning, either 

 by drugs, spoiled food or toxins arising from faulty 

 digestion. Gastro-enteritis may be associated with 

 indigestion, intoxication, distemper, or rickets. A 

 mild inflammation of several days' standing may 

 suddenly develop into a violent form if neglected. 



Symptoms. — Depression, dullness, and loss of 

 appetite are the first indication of trouble. The 

 dog lies about in dark corners, feigning sleep. He 

 is reluctant about coming out for his food, of which 

 he takes but little and perhaps none at all. The 

 sjmiptoms occur gradually in a mild case, but very 

 rapidly when the condition has been caused by some 

 violent irritant, such as poisoning by arsenic. Pain 

 is always present, varying in degree with the 

 severity of the attack. He may lie on his back, 

 bite at his flank, and show distress from pressure 

 over the abdomen, or he may lie flat on his side, 

 breathe hard, and groan with every breath. The 

 temperature when normal or slightly raised indi- 

 cates that the condition is mild, while a fever of 



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