Common Diseases of Dogs 



are broken up by the digestive process, there is 

 left a great residue of mineral salts which mix with 

 the stool and form a hard dry mass. In many 

 cases, the bones are not digested and small pieces 

 become imbedded in the stool. The sharp points 

 scratch the mucous membrane of the intestines and 

 hinder the progress of the stool. This mass very 

 frequently becomes impacted in the rectum so hard 

 that it is necessary to use forceps to break it up in 

 order that it may be removed. Bones of some 

 size, such as chop bones, often become fast in the 

 intestines and obstruct the passage of fecal matter. 

 Other foreign bodies get lodged in the same way. 



Through lack of exercise the muscles of the 

 intestines become inactive and weakened like those 

 in the body and legs. The fecal matter is not 

 propelled along as rapidly as it should be, and a 

 large mass accumulates which is hard to pass. 



In fevers the increased body temperature causes 

 absorption of the moisture from the stool, which 

 becomes too dry to move freely. 



Symptows. — Observation should be made at each 

 evacuation to determine the character of the move- 

 ment. In this way alone can the condition of the 

 bowels be kept in check and constipation avoided. 

 After it has developed, the animal shows indications 

 of dullness and depression, loss of appetite, foul 

 breath, straining at frequent intervals without re- 

 sults, weakness of hind legs, followed by paralysis, 



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